town, Śląskie województwo (province), south-central Poland, in the Carpathian Mountains on the Soła River near the border with Slovakia. It lies at the foot of Grójec Mountain, which has made it an important tourist centre. The town is also known for its large breweries.

Żywiec was first chronicled in the 14th century. Notable sites include the Renaissance Komorowski Castle (16th century), the Holy Cross Church (15th century), and the parish church (15th century), which contains the Dormant Virgin, sculpted about 1500. Pop. (2002) 32,048.