Sobień Castle is one of the most atmospheric medieval ruins in the Polish Subcarpathian region — perched on a forested hill at the confluence of the Adyszów stream and the San River, on the border between the Bukowskie Foothills and the Słonne Mountains. Crumbling stone walls, a wooden viewing terrace and a ghost legend make this a truly memorable stop.

The castle hill is cloaked in forest, giving the whole site a mysterious, almost fairy-tale feel. From the wooden terrace just beyond the ruins, you get a sweeping view over a meander of the San River, with the town of Lesko in the middle distance and, on a clear day, the Bieszczady Mountains on the horizon. Spring brings fresh greenery against ancient grey stonework; autumn sets the hillside ablaze with colour. The site lies within the 'Góra Sobień' nature reserve, established in 1970, so wildlife lovers will find just as much to enjoy as history enthusiasts.

• Village of Manasterzec (Lesko County) — the castle is an easy walk from the village; entry to the ruins is through a tower with wooden steps; difficulty: easy

• Entry through a restored tower fitted with wooden stairs
• Wooden viewing terrace overlooking the San River valley
• Site is part of the 'Góra Sobień' nature reserve (since 1970)
• Original stone window frames survive in the lower storey of the ruins

Legend has it that the ruins are haunted by the 'Black Lady' — the ghost of Anna Kmita, who perished here during the Hungarian raid led by King Matthias Corvinus in 1474, and who is said to appear whenever a member of the Kmita family faces death.