The Royal Castle is located in the heart of Niepołomice, 25 km from the centre of Kraków. The Niepołomice community is positioned in the very centre of a communication triangle, marked by three different roads: Kraków – Wieliczka – Tarnów, Kraków – Nowa Huta – Sandomierz, Nowa Huta – Niepołomice – Kłaj – Bochnia. The national road 75 (direction: north-south), the motorway A4 from Kraków – Tarnów, including the provincial route no. 964 Wieliczka – Niepołomice – Szczurowa and county roads no. K2009 and K2011 ensure that there is a good link between Kraków and the neighbouring communities. The community area of Niepołomice is supported by the John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice. The distance between the town of Niepołomice and the airport is about 40 km. Since the new A4 motorway from Kraków to Szarów opened, the journey to the airport has vastly improved, the travel time can take around 10 minutes. The motorway is accessible in two places, on the Wielicka by-pass or in Targowisko.

Source: http://www.zamekkrolewski.com.pl/en/

The castle in Niepołomice began as one of many fortifications throughout Małopolska initiated by King Kazimierz the Great in the 14th century, however this one soon became his favourite residence which he used as a retreat from the royal seat in Kraków. Kazimierz wasn’t the only king to favour the isolated outpost however, as his successors all invested themselves in further embellishing and expanding the castle into a magnificent royal residence where much time was spent. The castle’s heyday came during the rule of Władysław Jagiełło who held meetings of the royal council here, often entertaining foreign dignitaries and passing official court judgements from Niepołomice rather than Wawel. It was also from here that the famous royal hunts set out, bringing back the big game trophies of bison, bears and boars that would line the castle halls. In the mid-16th century King Zygmunt August rebuilt the residence on the model of contemporary Renaissance palaces – the appearance of which has been restored today. The ‘Second Wawel’ (as it was known) maintained its splendour for another hundred years before the Swedish deluge brought an end to its golden age and, along with the country, the castle gradually fell into ruin during Poland’s eras of partition and occupation.

A long and costly reconstruction began in 1991 and was finally completed in 2007. Today the castle is a multi-functional space hosting several museum exhibits, an excellent restaurant, 3-star boutique hotel, spa and conference facilities. Despite all that however, the space retains its authentic historical character. Perfect for a family outing, across from the Castle entrance is a park with a large playground, Queen Bona's picturesque gardens lie beside, and the Wisła River flows just beyond it.

Source: https://www.inyourpocket.com/krakow/the-royal-castle-in-niepolomice_137710v