Bolków Castle. Gothic stronghold with the only bow tower in Poland
The 13th-century castle in Bolków is one of the oldest and most interesting preserved monuments of medieval defensive construction in Poland. The mighty stronghold towering over the city is definitely one of the more picturesque ruins of Lower Silesia. This one of the oldest objects on the Piast Castles Trail became famous in the wide area not only due to its beauty and noble age, but also thanks to prestigious knightly tournaments held here several times a year. Take a look at the secret recesses of Bolków Castle with us!
History of the castle in Bolków. One of the oldest strongholds of the Piast Castles Trail
The first mention of the castle comes from 1277, when the Duke of Legnica Bolesław II the Bald, called Rogatka (this is the black sheep of the Piast family), states "castro nostro". However, the creation of the local Gothic castle is associated with the reign of his son, Bolko I Surowy. It was probably then that the bow (wedge) tower was created, the most unique fragment of the stronghold. The only one of its kind in Poland! In fact, its shape resembles a beak. Such a design provided good protection of the castle against cannon fire.
In addition, the complex was surrounded by massive stone defensive walls along with a system of gates and brick residential buildings were erected. In the following centuries, the castle was conquered and destroyed several times by the enemy, and now it is secured and at least part of its former glory was restored. The Museum was created in the interiors, thanks to which tourists can admire various parts of the castle, more and more adapted to it. Archaeological research is still carried out here, which broadens the knowledge about this unusual object!
Bolków Castle visiting the Museum
The museum in Bolków was established in the castle as early as in the 20th century, in its Renaissance part, on the initiative of the "Bolków Society for the Care of Monuments". Currently, the tour route has been significantly extended and you can additionally enter the Gothic tower and bypass the castle walls almost around. The castle does not shine like in the times when it was one of the most powerful fortresses of medieval Silesia, or even the whole of Poland, but after all, the stronghold can enchant tourists! In the House of Women, exhibitions were created, including models of the castle from different periods and a model of the castle in Świny. On the tower, on the other hand, the observation deck allows you to admire not only the extensive walls of the castle, but also the panorama of Bolków and the area with the Świny Castle rising on the opposite hill. This is because the tower rises to a height of 25 m. In its ground floor there is the so-called starvation dungeon.
Castle events
Since the 1990s, the Knightly Brotherhood has been active in the castle, thanks to which you can feel a truly medieval spirit here. Knight Tournaments, early music concerts, cultural events and family picnics are organized. The most important event here is the Castle Party festival, which takes place in July.
During the workshops, crafts flourish: blacksmithing, pottery or weaving. You can even buy an interesting ornament from a blacksmith more often. We came here for Cultural Farewell to Summer and open-air cinema with the film Bride for the Prince.
The oldest window in Poland, hidden in a cafe!
You will also have a cup of coffee at the castle, and by buying it you will discover the oldest preserved window in Poland! It is a window opening with a wooden cross, which dates from the end of the 13th century, namely from 1289/90, as follows from dendrology. This wooden cross in the opening serves as a grille with a metal fitting. The fitting is L-shaped and is attached with square head studs.
Accommodation
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Practical information
Muzeum Zamek Bolków
ul. Zamkowa 1, Bolków
Opening hours: Mon - 9.00-15.30, Tue - Fri 9:00-16:30, Sat- Sun 9:00-17:30
Current visiting hours and ticket price list: www.zamek-bolkow.info.pl Parking:
payable during the opening hours of the castle
Rent a car
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What's worth seeing in the area?
If you are looking for more ideas for interesting places to visit, we have it for you some options in the area. There are several attractions within a radius of 100 kilometers, that are worth adding to your travel plan.
- Książ Castle, distance: 16.2 km
- Church of Peace in Świdnica, distance: 28.9 km
- Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie, distance: 29.1 km
- Sky Walk Tower in Świeradów Zdrój, distance: 53.4 km
- Czocha Castle, distance: 56.9 km
- Kłodzko Fortress, distance: 66.4 km
- Ostrów Tumski in Wrocław, distance: 69.8 km
- Brzeg Castle, distance: 96.2 km
- Barycz Valley, distance: 96.4 km
- Palace in Kopice, distance: 99.6 km
