Gatehouse

The quadrangular gatehouse guarded the entrance to the lower castle. Its passage carried the approach through the defensive perimeter. The building occupied the southern corner of the enlarged stronghold. Natural rock formed its eastern side. Granite was therefore more than a foundation: it also replaced part of a wall. This combination of masonry and rock was used throughout Bolczów.

The gatehouse and its passage existed before the addition of the 16th-century barbican and semicircular artillery tower. New defences were attached to the older gate rather than forming an entirely separate entrance. In the early 20th century, the gatehouse was converted into a youth hostel. Rooms once associated with controlling access began to serve walkers. This was a late stage in the tourist use of the ruins, long after the castle had lost its military importance.