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Wroclaw Neighbourhood.
Lower Silesia is one of the sixteen Polish regions, which is situated in Southwest Poland, occupies space of 19 948 km2 (6,4% of the Polish area ), borders Germany in the West and Czech Republic in the Southwest. The capital and administrative center of the region is Wroclaw, which population is 634 thousand. Other towns: Walbrzych, Legnica, Jelenia Gora, Lubin, Głogow and Swidnica have populations below 50 thousand.
Through the rich architecture, green, many river flows and beautiful mountains, Lower Silesia is one of the most attractive and various Polish regions. Landscape parks, old medieval sacral and bourgeois architecture are worth seeing. Sudety Mountains welcome tourist, who love sports and propose them many attractions: climbing, mountain and cycling tours and all kinds of winter sports. The motorways, expressways and local roads are good enough here.
Ksiaz Castle.
Ksiaz palace is considening to be a perl of Lower Silesia. It is Poland’s third largest castle. The gothic structure was originally made for fortification, by Prince of Swinica and Jawor Bolko I. When the Hochberg family, one of the richest families in Prussia, got possession of the castle in the 17th century, it was converted into a luxurious palace by Ernest Maksymilian Hochberg.
The Ksiaz Castle was often called ‘The Lower Silesian Versailles’ because of its 400 chambers and over 200 fireplaces. In the year 1941, it was wrested from the Hochbergs by the Nazis in order to shelter Hitler’s headquarters. The Soviet army destroyed the castle after World War II. However, extensive renovation work has restored much of the original rich interiors. The castle also has lovely terraced gardens, which are an added tourist attraction.
On the premises of the Ksiaz castle complex, you will also find the Ksiaz State Stallion Stud. This, at one time used to be the stables and carriage house of the castle. Today it is one of the finest indoor riding stables in Europe. International driving and dressage competitions and horse auctions are held here regularly.
Booking office:
November 1th - Aprile 30th: Tue – Fri 10 – 15, Sat – Sun 10 – 16.
May 1th - September 30th: Mon – Sun 10 – 17.
October 1th - October 31th; Tue – Sun 10 – 16.
Information sources: http://www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl., http://www.polandforvisitors.com/poland/sudety_ksiaz
Cysters Monastery in Lubiaz.
Lubiaz villege is located in Lower Selesia region, Wolow municipality. There was a town from 1249 to 1844. It’s 50 km far from Wroclaw.
The Cysters Monastery was found in 1163 by Cysters monks, who was brought from Germany by Boleslaw I Tall, Selesia prince. In 1200 the first Roman style church of Blessed Virgin Mary was erected.
During the XIII and XIV centuries, through a big generosity of dukes and private gifts, the monastery had accumulated a fortune. The monastic order possessed 65 villages, some manorial farms, a solt-mine in Zlotoryi area. In the XIV c. the Roman church had replaced with the same name Gothic monastic church. Today, here we could visit one of few survived Gothic style churches.
As a result of Hussite wars, the order had lost a big part of its fortune. Its possessions: viliges, church and other buildings around, were destroyed. Next years the monastery had its ups and downs untill 1680, when it was subjected to a total reconstruction. A big new baroque complex were erected. At that time Baroque style was widespread in Europe.
Duaring the global renovation the Gothic church was reconstructed. Old Gothic walls were destroyed and new monastery objects were erected. Finally, in 1739 buildings complex assumed the present shapes.
Next years Selesia was captured by Prussian. As a result of such events all monastery goods were handed over to secular rulers. Whole library collection, archives, paintings were taken away from Lubiaz. During the next napoleonic wars, monastery buildings were donated to a hospital. Subsequently, surraund buildings were handed over to a state-owned horse-breeding farm. The monastery had placed its church at the faithfull disposal.
At the first part of the XX century the church was renovated and in 1934-1937 there was a big reconstruction. Unfortunately, during the World War II the church was plundered and partially destroyed.
Derested monastery had no owner and had been devastating untill the end of 1967, when it was handed over to the Wroclaw National Museum. At that time the First restoration works took place there.
Cysters Monastery in Lubiaz is a historical monument class 0. It’s twice as much as Cracow Wawel Castel. Its the longest façade has 223m and the roof area has 2,5 ha.
It’s one of the most beautiful architectural objects in Selesia region. Cysters Monastry is really worth seeing, considering a lot of sculptures, friezes, and frescoes created by famous artists.
Bolkow Castle.
Bolkow castle is situated in Jaworski administrative district. According to historical details the castle was erected in the XIII century on Prince Bolko I initiative. The castle included apartment block, outbuilding and 4 flour tower (25m high and 4.5m thick walls). Following the example of Czech or French architecture, the tower were built in the shape of drop. This is only one example of such architectural style in Poland
The castle defended residents against the enemy. The last renovation of the castle took place in the XVI century. During the Thirty Years War the castle had been considerably destroyed.
In 1703 Cysters from Krzeszow became owners of the castle and possessed it till 1810, when it was handed over to the State Treasury. Due to lack of interest the castle had fallen into ruin. Next renovation works started in the middle of the XX century. Since 1994 the castle has been opening to visitors. Today Bolkow castle is a big attraction for tourists and people who loves knights tournaments, which are taking place here.
Castle is open: Tue – Fri 8 – 15.30
Additional opening hours:
May – September: 9 – 17.30
October: 9 – 16.30
November – March: 9 – 15.30
Aprile: 9 – 16.30
Tickets: normal – 4PLN, reduced fare 2PLN
November 1th, 11th, December 25 th , first day of Easter and during the Castle Party festival the castle is closed.
Information sources: http://www.zamek-bolkow.info.pl
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