One of the greatest attractions in Jura are its strongholds and castles called "Orle Gniazda" (eagles' nests). Built of limestone upon rocky hills, they are so perfectly blended in the landscape that one cannot tell whether they were made by man or by nature herself.

In 14th century, during the reign of Casimir the Great, a number of fortified castles were erected on the Polish-Czech borderline (e.g. in Ojców, Będzin, Olsztyn, Lelów, Bobolice, Mirów) with the aim of protecting the capital of Poland, her borders and trading routes. It was the most outstanding achievement: a system of strongholds was made, stretching from Cracow to Wieluń, with numerous watchtowers, fortified monasteries, churches, and cities. It should be stressed that it was possible only due to the fact that certain powerful and wealthy houses, such as Toporczyk, Pileckis, Włodek, Boner, Firlej, Szafraniec, Zebrzydowskis, Warszyckis, Myszkowskis, Korycińskis, Męcińskis, Wielopolskis, and Moriszewskis, greatly contributed to the building process. In 14th-17th century they were engaged in erecting and modernising castles in Ogrodzieniec, Smoleń, Bydlin, Pilica, Morsko, Udorz, Rabsztyn, Pieskowa Skałą, Korzkwia, Lipowiec, Rudno and many others.

Unfortunately, apart from Wawel, Pieskowa Skala, Będzin and Jasna Górą, nowadays we can admire only remains of these castles. Changes in warfare in 15th century, Swedish invasion of 17th century as well as partitions lead directly to decay and devastation of the fortresses. Almost each of them has its own legends and tales, which are very eagerly told both by guides and local people in Jura. For all these reasons, the Jura strongholds are by all means worth visiting.