Bolkow Castle
A Hilltop Fortress and Gothic Defender
South Western Poland (Lower Silesia) is a travel secret that has recently come to the attention of the tourism world because there are many, many, lovely castles, quaint towns, historic sites, gorgeous churches and amazing natural features along with hiking and sporting locations.
Jim and I rented a car again on this second trip to Poland to explore as many of these sites as we could in our two rental days.
The best part of renting a car and driving around Poland during the shoulder season, is the absence of hordes of tourists! We really felt enveloped by the authentic Poland as we drove through the countryside and in ancient villages that still feel as if they are resting in the romantic past. The only drawback to shoulder season travel is that you can rarely predict what the weather will have in store from day to day!
So on one of the chilliest and windiest days I have experienced in my travels, we turned our sights (and car) in the direction of the ancient fortress ruins of Bolkow Castle, built on Castle Hill (Wzgórze Zamkowe)
Crowning a majestic ridge above the town of Bolkow, the gray stone ruins of Bolkow Castle perch on a craggy precipice and overlook the valley and river far below. The eastern side of the castle where you enter the fortress is accessed via a cobbled road which gently slopes up from the town below.
Jim and I rented a car again on this second trip to Poland to explore as many of these sites as we could in our two rental days.
The best part of renting a car and driving around Poland during the shoulder season, is the absence of hordes of tourists! We really felt enveloped by the authentic Poland as we drove through the countryside and in ancient villages that still feel as if they are resting in the romantic past. The only drawback to shoulder season travel is that you can rarely predict what the weather will have in store from day to day!
So on one of the chilliest and windiest days I have experienced in my travels, we turned our sights (and car) in the direction of the ancient fortress ruins of Bolkow Castle, built on Castle Hill (Wzgórze Zamkowe)
Crowning a majestic ridge above the town of Bolkow, the gray stone ruins of Bolkow Castle perch on a craggy precipice and overlook the valley and river far below. The eastern side of the castle where you enter the fortress is accessed via a cobbled road which gently slopes up from the town below.
The town of Bolkow with its commanding Castle Fortress lies along the Nysa Szalona River, approximately 15 kilometers (9 mi) south-west of Jawor and is 70 kilometers (43 mi) west of our home base, Wroclaw.
Photo above by Jerzy Strzelecki [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
As I mentioned before, traveling during off season or shoulder season is wonderful. Bolkow Castle was absolutely deserted when we arrived except for the lonely ticket office worker. We had the whole place to ourselves for quite some time before a few other intrepid tourists braving the cold winds arrived.
First mentioned as the town of Hain in a 1276 deed, Bolków was named after Duke Bolko II of Swidnica, who died in 1368. His duchy was incorporated into the lands held by the Bohemian Crown as part of the Holy Roman Empire. Prior to 1945 the town was in Germany. Since 1945 it has belonged to Poland.
Bolko II's tomb effigy in Krzeszow (Grüssau)
Photo above via Theodor Blätterbauer (Anonymous plate?) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Photo above via Theodor Blätterbauer (Anonymous plate?) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Bolków Castle was built in the 13th century by a member of the Piast Dynasty (the first Polish Dynasty). First mention of the castle comes from 1277, during the reign of Boleslaw II Rogatka (the Bald), Duke of Legnica. The stronghold defended local trade routes through Lower Silesia. It also served as the Ducal Treasury.
The original shape of the castle fortress was dictated by the elongated hill on which it was erected. Its central part was occupied by a gothic castle and was surrounded by a wall about 2 meters thick. The wall was defended by a portico in the wall and a breastwork.
Photo above by airportwroclawtransfer.com
In the south-western part of the courtyard there is a free-standing defense tower called the Hunger Tower.
The interior of the Hunger Tower had four floors: a vaulted basement, a first floor which was originally covered by a timber ceiling, a second floor with a rib vault and an open top. The original entrance to the tower was on the level of the first floor. In the basement there was a dungeon.
The interior of the Hunger Tower had four floors: a vaulted basement, a first floor which was originally covered by a timber ceiling, a second floor with a rib vault and an open top. The original entrance to the tower was on the level of the first floor. In the basement there was a dungeon.
In the first half of the 14th century, development was carried out during the reign of the dukes Bernard and Bolek II. They merged earlier residential and economic buildings in the courtyard into one dwelling and domestic building, today called the Gothic Wing. The gates and the outer walls of the castle were expanded making it one of the strongest strongholds in Silesia.
In 1392, after the childless death of Bolek II, the castle became the property of the Czech kings.
In 1392, after the childless death of Bolek II, the castle became the property of the Czech kings.
Photo above by Touropia.com
The castle's current shape was achieved from construction done in the 16th century.
After the sixteenth century extensions, the castle was surrounded by four courtyards with buildings and low towers. The remains of these modernizations include the remains of attics at the top in the “dovetail” shape.
After the sixteenth century extensions, the castle was surrounded by four courtyards with buildings and low towers. The remains of these modernizations include the remains of attics at the top in the “dovetail” shape.
Photo above by Inyourpocket.com
On the north side, a new residential building was built, (the so-called House of Women), connected to the previously existing buildings by a Logia or gallery. Many of its elements were built by the famous Silesian architect Jakub Parr. He brought the more decorative elements of the Renaissance into the castle's medieval fortifications.
Sadly, the castle did not fare well in the 17th century, during the Thirty Years’ War (also known as the Wars of Religion) when the Swedes occupied the castle. After this period, the castle was no longer used as a military stronghold.
In 1703, the castle was bought by Grussau Abbey in Krzeszow (now called Krzeszow Abbey) and used as a monastic property for many years by Cistercian monks. After secularization, the castle was owned by the Prussian State.
Krzeszow Abbey - Photo above by Asmodaeus
Bolkow Castle is now owned by the State Treasury of Poland and is open to the public as a castle museum. The castle is also the site of a Gothic Music Festival called "Castle Party" during July.
Find out more about Castle Party and the photo above via https://www.festicket.com/festivals/castle-party-festival/2019/
The castle is a wonderful place to imagine the many centuries of dramatic history and the daily lives of those who would have occupied it through the centuries.
We wandered the little courtyard, the ruins of domestic dwellings and restored fortifications Then we climbed gingerly up and down uneven stone steps fighting what seemed to me like hurricane force winds to walk out on the western ramparts.
Even though it was so windy I was afraid to be blown away over the edge, we ventured out to take a look at the famous view and we were not disappointed. The expansive vista from the precipice of the fortress wall is something you must not miss.
Wandering the majestic grey stone ruins of Bolkow Castle (even in a freezing wind!) was one of the memorable moments from our days driving to sites in Lower Silesia, Poland, so be sure to add it to your MUST-SEE list for your trip to Poland!
Look Below!
If you liked this story, you can read more of our stories from "Return To Wroclaw" Series!
If you liked this story, you can read more of our stories from "Return To Wroclaw" Series!
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