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In 2017 the sewers and water mains in Biecz at the crossroads of 3 Maja and Kolejowa Street underwent modernisation and the work was subject to archaeological supervision. This led to the discovery of several burials, concentrations of human bones, and parts of buildings. Analysis of the findings plus examination of historical records points to these belonging to the graveyard of the now defunct St. James’ Church and a police station from the late 19th century. The results of the supervision were expanded upon by anthropological examination of the human remains and radiocarbon dating, both of which broadened the scope for interpreting the finds. The former helped identify the sex and age of the deceased as well as any pathological changes they may have undergone. Carbon dating confirmed that the burials took place in the 17–18th centuries. The above findings represent a major step in identifying where St. James’ Church in Biecz was located.

In 2019, new research was initiated at two archaeological sites located on the Ropa River, in Gorlice County, in the southeastern part of Małopolska Province. The first site was the Castle Hill in Biecz, and the second one was the fortified stronghold in Kobylanka. The research consisted of three stages. Firstly, extensive archival and library queries were conducted in order to gather basic information about both sites. Secondly, surface research was performed in order to collect any movable monuments. During the third stage, a reconnaissance by means of GPR, electrical resistivity imaging and geo-magnetic survey was carried out. These provided plenty of new valuable information on the spatial layout of both sites. In the case of the Castle Hill, the analysis of the discovered anomalies allowed for the interpretation of some of the finds as remnants of the brick elements of the castle, e.g. the tower, which corresponds with the plan from 1877. The results of the analyses of the anomalies from the fortified stronghold in Kobylanka, with its ramparts made of stone and earth as well as inner circular housing, were far more ambiguous. Its chronology may date back to the early Middle Ages.