Łapalice Castle - The Story of an Unfinished Dream
- Damian Brzeski
- Mar 20
- 10 min read
In recent years, the castle in Stobnica has become a symbol of controversy and unauthorized construction. Meanwhile, few remember that in Kashubia we have an equally spectacular, although much more romantic, history of castle construction.
A monumental residence was built in Łapalice, which was to be the fulfilment of the artistic vision of its creator.
Instead, it became one of the most mysterious and unfinished buildings in Poland. What secrets does this extraordinary castle hide?
The history and construction of Łapalice Castle
Monumental, mysterious and never completed – the castle in Łapalice is one of the most intriguing buildings in Poland.
Its history is a tale of an ambitious dream that surpassed its creator, and of a struggle with bureaucracy that still casts a shadow over the fate of this extraordinary building. How did this unusual castle come into being and why was its construction interrupted?
Piotr Kazimierczak – investor and originator
The history of Łapalice Castle began in the late 1970s, when Gdańsk artist and sculptor Piotr Kazimierczak decided to realize his vision of a monumental residence.
Initially, he planned (or at least that was what the documentation said) to build a small house with an area of 170 m² , which was to serve as an artist's studio. However, over time his ambitions grew significantly, and instead of a modest estate, a project for a magnificent castle was created.
Construction started in 1983
Construction of the castle began in 1983 , but from the very beginning it deviated from the approved plans.
In place of a small studio, Kazimierczak began to erect an impressive, 5,000-meter-long structure that was to resemble a Renaissance residence with elements of a medieval stronghold.
The design included 12 towers , 52 rooms , 365 windows , a ballroom , a swimming pool and a chapel.
Illegal construction and legal problems
The dynamically developing construction of the castle quickly drew the attention of officials. It turned out that Kazimierczak did not have the appropriate permits to carry out such a huge investment.
In the 1990s , construction was halted, and the investor began to struggle with numerous financial and legal problems. In 2006, the District Building Inspector issued an order to demolish the castle , arguing that it lacked the required documents and violated the terms of the original building permit.
Despite the decision to demolish it, the castle was not demolished. Kazimierczak attempted to legalize the building for years, which led to long-term disputes with the authorities. Despite numerous obstacles, the castle in Łapalice survived, becoming one of the most mysterious and unfinished monuments in Poland.
From the demolition order to the legalization of the castle
The fate of the completion of the castle in Łapalice was uncertain for years. From the decision to demolish it, through years of legal battles, to its final legalization – the history of this building is an example of a complicated administrative process and the determination of the owner. How did the castle go from an illegal construction to obtaining permission for its continued existence?
Decision of the District Building Inspectorate on demolition
After years of suspended construction of the castle in Łapalice, officials decided to formally regulate the status of the building. In 2006, the District Building Inspector recognized the building as unauthorized construction and ordered its demolition .
The main reason for this decision was the fact that the investment significantly exceeded the plans approved in the 1980s. The owner had permission only for a small single-family house with an art studio, not for a magnificent 5,000 m² castle .
Intervention of the Provincial and Chief Inspector of Building Supervision
The decision to demolish it caused a lot of controversy. Piotr Kazimierczak , the owner of the castle, appealed the order, which started a long legal battle. The case went to the Provincial Building Inspectorate and then to the Chief Building Inspectorate.
For years, the possibilities of legalizing the facility were analyzed, but subsequent administrative decisions did not bring a breakthrough. As a result, the castle in Łapalice remained abandoned and fell into disrepair, attracting tourists and lovers of urban exploration.
Legalization of construction by the City Council in Kartuzy in 2023
The breakthrough came only in 2023 , when the Kartuzy City Council decided to legalize the castle . Earlier, in 2020 , a local spatial development plan was adopted, which paved the way for regulating the legal status of the facility.
Thanks to this decision, the owner could begin efforts to complete the construction or transform the castle into a legally compliant utility facility.
Although the decision to legalize it gives Łapalice Castle a chance for a new life, its owner still faces many challenges. It will be necessary to meet technical requirements and develop a new concept that will adapt the building to current regulations.
Still, for many enthusiasts of castle architecture and history , legalization means hope that the castle will be completed and given a new function.
Architecture, symbolism and other curiosities related to the castle in Łapalice near Kartuzy
Łapalice Castle is a place that impresses not only with its monumentality, but also with the hidden message encoded in its structure.
Every element of this building had its own meaning, and the design was carefully considered by its creator. What secrets are hidden in the architecture of this extraordinary structure?
365 windows, 52 rooms and 12 towers - the meaning of numbers
Łapalice Castle is not only an impressive structure, but also a building full of symbolism. The numbers that appeared in the project are not accidental.
The investor and designer, Piotr Kazimierczak , gave the castle a unique structure referring to the calendar.
365 windows symbolize the number of days in a year,
The 52 rooms refer to the number of weeks,
The 12 towers are a reference to months.
The castle in Łapalice was supposed to be not only a magnificent residence, but also a work of art with a profound message.
Planned features: ballroom, chapel and swimming pool
Initial plans assumed that Łapalice Castle would be a luxurious estate with many functional spaces.
The building site was to include:
Ballroom – a representative room with a large area, intended for celebrations and meetings,
Chapel – indicating the spiritual aspect of the project,
Swimming pool – measuring 9 × 15 m, which was intended to emphasize the exclusive character of the residence.
Although the castle was never completed , its architectural design still attracts the attention of lovers of unusual structures.
Kashubian Castle as a tourist attraction
The castle in Łapalice is located just behind Kartuzy in the heart of the Kashubian Landscape Park , which further emphasizes its picturesque character.
Situated among forests and close to Lake Rekowo, it is an extraordinary place that delights visitors with its raw beauty and mysterious atmosphere.
Despite the lack of official status as a tourist attraction , it has attracted numerous tourists, photographers and lovers of abandoned places for years.
The lack of tourist infrastructure, however, means that visitors must expect certain difficulties.
There are no designated paths, information boards or security points on site, which means that exploring the castle is at your own risk . Despite this, its unique atmosphere means that it constantly attracts new visitors.
Popular among urban exploration enthusiasts
The castle has gained particular fame among urban exploration enthusiasts who seek out abandoned and unusual places to explore.
The monumental shape of the building, unfinished interiors and the aura of mystery surrounding it mean that hundreds of people come here every year to see the unfinished castle with their own eyes.
Its popularity has also increased thanks to social media, where more and more photos and reports of visits appear.
Despite its fame, Łapalice Castle is in poor technical condition. The lack of security means that visitors are exposed to real danger – the building is decaying, and some walls are cracked and in danger of collapse.
Additionally, the interiors are covered in graffiti, and the lack of supervision makes the place also a target for unofficial meetings and parties.
Comparisons to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series
Some visitors compare the castle in Łapalice to the famous Hogwarts school of magic known from the Harry Potter books.
Although the building has no connection with JK Rowling's fictional world, its monumental towers and atmospheric interiors evoke associations with magical castles known from fantasy literature and films.
The castle's popularity among fantasy fans was so great that there were even attempts to buy it back by enthusiasts who planned to transform it into a space inspired by the world of magic.
Even though this initiative never came to fruition, interest in the building continues to grow, and its mysterious aura invariably attracts crowds of tourists and lovers of unusual places.
Is entering the castle safe and legal?
The unfinished Łapalice Castle attracts tourists and urban exploration enthusiasts, but visiting it involves great risk.
The building is in poor technical condition – there are no safety features, and some walls and ceilings are in danger of collapsing. There have been accidents in the past, especially among people who tried to explore the castle's upper floors.
The interiors are full of rubble, and the lack of lighting makes it easy to trip and fall. Unmarked holes in the floors and unstable structural elements pose an additional hazard. All of this means that staying in the castle without proper precautions can end tragically.
Entry ban and its enforcement
Although Łapalice Castle is not officially open to the public, it regularly attracts tourists and explorers. The owner and local authorities have repeatedly appealed to avoid entering the building due to the safety risk.
An entry ban was introduced, and warning signs were placed around the castle informing about the danger.
Despite this, the lack of permanent security and fencing means that many people continue to ignore these warnings and explore the ruins on their own.
Local authorities are trying to enforce the ban, but the great popularity of the castle and its unsettled legal status make it difficult to effectively secure the facility against unauthorized visits.
Plans to complete the construction, or the uncertain future of the Kashubian castle
After years of legal disputes and uncertainty , Łapalice Castle finally has a chance for a new life. The legalization of the facility, passed by the Kartuzy City Council in 2023, paved the way for its further reconstruction or adaptation.
However, the question remains whether it will be possible to complete the construction of the castle , taking into account its current technical condition and the huge investment costs.
Possible destination – hotel and tourist center
One of the most frequently considered ideas for the future of the building is to transform it into a hotel or tourist center .
Thanks to its unique architecture and picturesque location in the Kashubian Landscape Park, the castle could become an exclusive place for guests looking for unique experiences.
Other proposals include creating a museum, art gallery or event space within its walls.
Impact on the development of tourism in the region
If the construction can be completed, which unfortunately is unlikely at this stage, the castle in Łapalice may become one of the main tourist attractions of Kashubia , attracting guests from all over Poland and abroad.
The investment could stimulate the development of the local economy, contributing to the creation of new jobs and increased interest in Kashubia as a tourist destination.
However, before this happens, further decisions will be necessary regarding financing and a specific concept for the development of the facility. But will the history of this castle as a finished work be as interesting as it is today?
Biography of Piotr Kazimierczak
What would this story be if not for the author of this mess, Mr. Piotr Kazimierczak, a Polish artist, sculptor, woodcarver and entrepreneur, best known as the initiator of the construction of the castle in Łapalice – a monumental, although never completed, structure that became one of the greatest attractions of Kashubia.
He was born in Gdańsk (the exact date of birth is not widely known), where he spent most of his life, combining his artistic passion with business activities.
The beginnings of a career and a passion for art
Kazimierczak was fascinated by art and sculpture from an early age. His talent developed towards woodcarving – a craft of precise carving in wood, which later became the basis of his professional career.
In the 1970s, he founded a sculpture and carpentry workshop in Gdańsk , specializing in the production of stylized furniture, often in a Baroque style. His products gained recognition both on the domestic and foreign markets, which allowed him to gather funds to implement his ambitious plans.
Vision of the castle in Łapalice
In 1979, Kazimierczak began the construction of a castle in Łapalice , which was to be the crowning achievement of his artistic and life dreams.
As he himself emphasized in an interview for "Kurier Kartuski" in 2006:
"This castle wasn't built out of thin air. I've been thinking about it since I was a kid. This is going to be my life's work, not some hotel construction in two years."
Initially, he obtained a building permit for a modest single-family house with a studio (170 m²), but his vision quickly turned into a project for an impressive 5,000 m² residence, stylized as a Renaissance castle with medieval elements.
His artistic soul was visible in every detail – 12 towers symbolized the months of the year, 52 rooms corresponded to weeks, and 365 windows referred to the days of the year.
Financial problems and construction halt
To finance the project, in the 1990s Kazimierczak launched a modern furniture production plant in Święty Wojciech near Gdańsk . The plant exported furniture mainly to Germany and brought significant profits. Unfortunately, a series of unfortunate events put a stop to his plans.
In 1991 The Gdańsk Power Plant cut off the power supply to the new production halls, demanding that Kazimierczak build his own transformer station. This investment, carried out on state land with money from loans, led to problems with construction supervision and the bank.
In 2001, a flood destroyed his factory, leaving him without the castle's main source of financing.
In 2006, the district building inspector issued an order to demolish the castle , arguing that it was incompatible with the building permit.
Unfinished work and later fate
Despite the odds, Kazimierczak never gave up on his dreams of completing his work. That same year, he emphasized that he wanted to complete the castle on his own terms, creating interiors that would “captivate with their beautiful scenery and the highest level of craftsmanship.”
After 2010, he withdrew from media contacts, and his further fate remains little known. In 2020, the decision of the Kartuzy City Council to legalize construction gave new hope for the completion of the castle, although it requires significant expenditure and a new design.
Today, Piotr Kazimierczak is for many a symbol of a man who dared to dream big – even if fate did not allow him to fully realize his vision.
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