Castle in Brzeg. Renaissance castle of the Silesian Piasts. Price list, sightseeing, history of the Silesian Wawel
The castle in Brzeg in the Opole region is an extremely impressive prince's castle, with a Renaissance shape. It is called the Silesian Wawel, because the reconstructed cloisters bring to mind those from Krakow. The building, although it did not resist the destruction of the war, has been carefully reconstructed and today it delights tourists from all over Poland! Charming cloisters, ornate, incredibly beautiful entrance gate and interesting exhibitions in the interiors are the main advantages of the Silesian piast castle on the shore.
Renaissance gate - the pearl of the Opole region
The Brest castle of the Silesian princes is an extremely valuable monument with interesting architecture. The only one of its kind in the entire Opole region. The former Gothic fortress was rebuilt by the dynasty into a Renaissance residence. From the outside, the most impressive feature is the richly decorated facade of the gatehouse. It will be decorated with stone busts of Piast princes. It was founded by Prince George II, whose life-size statue can be admired on the façade. Next to him is a likeness of his wife Barbara. The gatehouse with its unique sculptural decoration is the most outstanding Renaissance monument in Central Europe.
Visiting the castle in Brzeg
The courtyard of the castle, surrounded on three sides by wonderful cloisters, is available to tourists free of charge. The interiors, on the other hand, have housed the Museum of Silesian Piasts in Brzeg since 1945, available with tickets.You can visit the exhibitions on your own, or you can buy a guide service.
The history of the city, interesting history of princes as well as sculpture and Silesian painting are presented here. We sincerely recommend you to visit the castle, because the exhibitions are rich and interesting. An exhibition of Silesian Piast sarcophagi, moved from the nearby castle chapel, is available in the Gothic cellars. On the upper floors, you can admire beautiful paintings, along with the 16th-century collection of the Italian painter Giovanni Pinotti.
A very rich, sacred exhibition hides many gems of Silesian art, collecting works from the 15th century. Passing through the successive rooms on the top floor, you can see the huge progress that has been made in art over the centuries. When we visited the museum for the first time years ago, we realized that these often huge Baroque sculptures are made of many pieces of wood, attached to each other. Formed and painted, they create extraordinary art.
And did you know that Silesia was incorporated into Poland after the war? At that time, thousands of inhabitants of the Eastern Borderlands of the Second Polish Republic were resettled to new areas, also to Brzeg. And it is in their memory that the exhibition, which you enter from the courtyard of the Museum's headquarters, is dedicated.
Castle chapel in Brzeg
The church of St. Jadwiga is adjacent to the castle in Brzeg. Itwas regothized, that is, the original Gothic features of the temple were restored and emphasized. That is why it looks very interesting today. It is the largest necropolis of the Piast dynasty, as at least 43 representatives of the princely family were buried in the crypt of the chapel. Valuable sarcophagi with the remains of the Legnica-Brzesko rulers have been preserved here. Several of them can be admired at the exhibition at the Museum. The church itself does not belong to the Museum and can be viewed during services.
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History of the Brest Castle
Since the Middle Ages, the bank has been the seat of the Duchy of Legnica-Brzesko, ruled by the most important line of Silesian Piasts. They came from Władysław II the Exile. It was here that the history of the Piasts ended, through the death of George IV William at the end of the 17th century. He lived only 15 years. He loved hunting and died on one of them. However, not as a result of his wounds, but as a result of fever and smallpox, which he contracted from the local population.
He was very well educated and spoke many languages, including Polish. It should be remembered that in his time the principality was a vassal of the German-speaking Habsburg Empire. Interestingly, his father, Christian, was a strong friend of Polish monarchs and even tried to be elected king of Poland. However, the nobility did not support him.
Many exhibitions in the castle rooms talk about the Piast roots of the fortress. Moreover, the dukes of Brzeg also boasted of this medieval origin, e.g. by creating family trees.
When the last of the male Piast line died, the principality ceased to exist. Then the residence began to deteriorate. The rich book collections and castle collections were scattered. The abandoned castle was shelled during the First Silesian War between Prussia and Austria, on April 28, 1741. Further damage was caused by World War II. After the war, Silesia was incorporated into Poland. A museum was organized in the interiors, and the castle was reconstructed.
Experiences in the area
In the Odra Park near the castle, you can find relics of once significant Brest city fortifications. The Renaissance Odra Gate has survived here. It dates back to the end of the 16th century. On the other side of the former stronghold, you can admire the Baroque Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and even further, the market with interesting buildings and the magnificent Town Hall, available free of charge for visiting by telephone.
It is also worth seeing the Gothic church of St. Nicholas and walking along the charming promenade, Długa Street, where the oldest residential house in the city stands. Get to know the local monuments, because they are worth it!
Our video about the Shore
I also invite you to watch our film about the shore. Beautiful city 🙂
Accommodation
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Practical information
Castle in Brzeg - Museum of Silesian Piasts
Castle Square 1, Brzeg
The current hours of sightseeing and ticket prices can be found at: http://zamek.brzeg.pl/
On Wednesday, sightseeing is free
Parking: free
Guest rooms are available in the castle
Rent a car
Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.
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.
- Palace in Kopice, distance: 24.2 km
- Wrocław Zoo with Afrkarium, distance: 38.3 km
- Ostrów Tumski in Wrocław, distance: 40.5 km
- Moszna Castle, distance: 51.6 km
- Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie, distance: 75.3 km
- Barycz Valley, distance: 76.3 km
- Książ Castle, distance: 82.5 km
- Bear Cave in Kletno, distance: 82.7 km
- Pławniowice Palace, distance: 89 km
- Szczeliniec Wielki, distance: 89.8 km
