The largest castle in Lower Silesia and the third largest castle in Poland is Książ Castle. It is surpassed only by Krakow’s Wawel Royal Castle and the Crusader Castle in Malbork. It is often referred to as the pearl of Lower Silesia. It is located in the cadastre of the town of Wałbrzych, between the picturesque forests of the Książ Landscape Park and the valley of the Pełcznica River The castle is best viewed from the viewpoint on the so-called Giant Rock, which can be reached by a wide path leading through the castle park.
The first written mention of Książ Castle dates back to 1288. It was one of a number of defensive castles built by the Świdnica-Javor prince Bolko I.
In 1508, Książ fell into the hands of Jan von Haugvitz, who sold it to Konrad Hoberg. Konrad Hoberg belonged to the last Książ family. This family later changed its name to Hochberg.
Książ Castle has been rebuilt many times, which is why it combines so many architectural and artistic styles – Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and eclectic elements.
The most beautiful castle space is the Maximilian Hall.
This hall used to be used for concerts and theatrical performances, but today this interior has served as a stage for several films.
One of the most important and at the same time the most tragic periods in the history of the castle was the time of the Second World War.
These construction activities were probably intended to serve the implementation of the “Riese” project – which means “giant”.
Tourists can see an eighty-meter long secured section of corridors, from which rubble has been removed.
The largest interventions took place in the castle interiors. The Konrad Hall could have become an exhibition for the famous Amber Room.
The castle combines the history of several nations and many people. In addition to the classic architectural attributes of castles and chateaux such as beautiful gates, bastions and towers, hundreds of unrevealed secrets await visitors.
The first written mention of Książ Castle dates back to 1288. It was one of a number of defensive castles built by the Świdnica-Javor prince Bolko I.
In 1508, Książ fell into the hands of Jan von Haugvitz, who sold it to Konrad Hoberg. Konrad Hoberg belonged to the last Książ family. This family later changed its name to Hochberg.
Książ Castle has been rebuilt many times, which is why it combines so many architectural and artistic styles – Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and eclectic elements.
The most beautiful castle space is the Maximilian Hall.
This hall used to be used for concerts and theatrical performances, but today this interior has served as a stage for several films.
One of the most important and at the same time the most tragic periods in the history of the castle was the time of the Second World War.
These construction activities were probably intended to serve the implementation of the “Riese” project – which means “giant”.
Tourists can see an eighty-meter long secured section of corridors, from which rubble has been removed.
The largest interventions took place in the castle interiors. The Konrad Hall could have become an exhibition for the famous Amber Room.
The castle combines the history of several nations and many people. In addition to the classic architectural attributes of castles and chateaux such as beautiful gates, bastions and towers, hundreds of unrevealed secrets await visitors.
