Poland's Ksiaz Castle, from
Gothic Fortress to Edwardian Palace
One of the best reasons to rent a car when touring Poland is the freedom you then have to explore both the most famous sites (in this case my favorite sites, Castles!) and those barely known outside of the country. We had the pleasure of finding both when we ventured out into the countryside of southern Poland and a region called Silesia.
Guide book in hand, GPS at the ready and with a full tank of gas, we headed down roads bordered by farm fields dotted with hay rolls and cows, into the rolling hillside which finally turned into mountains and valleys. This is where we found the castles we were looking for, perched to survey their surrounding domains.
The first castle we visited was Ksiaz Castle located just outside the town of Walbrzych and the largest castle in Poland.
This impressive castle began its existence as a commanding Gothic fortress built as a strategic defense on a rocky hilltop overlooking the surrounding wooded valley. The original late 13th century structure was built by Prince Bolko I (The Strict) a prince of the Piast Dynasty. Bolko II of Swidnica died in 1368 without having children. After the demise of the Piasts, in the year 1392, King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia obtained the castle and Bohemian aristocrats who had his favor ruled for over a century. In 1463, the fortress was taken over by the Czech Kings from a Luxembourg dynasty.
In 1482, Ksiaz came under the authority of the Hungarian King Matthais Corvinus and his commanding officer began the process of changing the structure from a fortress to a castle. He transformed the majority of defensive areas into residential apartments.
In 1482, Ksiaz came under the authority of the Hungarian King Matthais Corvinus and his commanding officer began the process of changing the structure from a fortress to a castle. He transformed the majority of defensive areas into residential apartments.
Above Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/181269953726274079/
In 1509, the castle was sold to a powerful Silesian knight named Conrad I von Hoberg (later Hochberg). It was at this time, that the beautiful French Gardens were installed by filling in the defensive trenches and mote and removing some of the ramparts. Ksiaz Castle remained in the Hochberg family who were based in Prussian city of Meissen until World War II. For several centuries during this period, the castle was referred to by the German name "Schloss Furstenstein"
Above Photo Credit: elearning-way.com
In 1705, a great remodeling effort was begun by Konrad Ernest Maximillian von Hochberg. He built the Baroque Extension, the Honorary Courtyard and outbuildings which included a library, baths and gatehouse. Today these outbuildings host tourist shops and restaurants.
From 1907 – 1938, the castle underwent its second great reconstruction period. The Neo-Renaissance west and north wings were created along with the terraces and the tower was extended and topped by a helmet with a lantern. Most of the rooms you see today are restored to this period.
The castle faced hard times, plunder and ruin during WWII, and Nazi occupation. The Hochbergs did not support Hitler, and the castle was seized by the Nazis in 1941 as a future residence for the Fuhrer. Many of the historic interiors were torn down. The Nazis then began to build a bunker some 50 meters (165 feet) beneath the castle to protect Hitler from Allied bombs. Work was not completed before the fall of the Third Reich.
The castle was left to fall into ruin during the post-war period, but finally in 1974, restoration began and it was eventually returned to its former beauty as the castle you visit today.
In 2015 an exhibition The Metamorphosis of Ksiaz Castle in conjunction with the National Museum of Wroclaw opened featuring works of art returned to the castle after 70 years. Ten pieces in the collection were owned by Princess Daisy and her husband Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg. The castle is lovely and it was fun to wander through its warren of vaulted halls taking in the restored rooms, lovely period antiques, artwork and contemporary art installations.
In 2015 an exhibition The Metamorphosis of Ksiaz Castle in conjunction with the National Museum of Wroclaw opened featuring works of art returned to the castle after 70 years. Ten pieces in the collection were owned by Princess Daisy and her husband Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg. The castle is lovely and it was fun to wander through its warren of vaulted halls taking in the restored rooms, lovely period antiques, artwork and contemporary art installations.
The Hochberg family was dedicated to helping the poorest of society and gave huge amounts to charitable projects, but the most famous family member was the woman called “Princess Daisy”.
Mary Theresa Olivia Cornwallis-West was born June 28th, 1873 and was a noted society beauty of the Edwardian period. She was a member of one of the wealthiest European noble families.
During her marriage to Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg, Daisy, became a social reformer and advocated for peace along with her friends German Emperor William II, and King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. During World War I, she served as a nurse.
After her divorce in 1922 she published a series of memoirs that were widely read. They contained unusual and somewhat scandalous descriptions and insights into the relations between members of the Hochberg family as well as a great deal of information about the character of the Edwardian epoch during which she had lived.
Mary Theresa Olivia Cornwallis-West was born June 28th, 1873 and was a noted society beauty of the Edwardian period. She was a member of one of the wealthiest European noble families.
During her marriage to Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg, Daisy, became a social reformer and advocated for peace along with her friends German Emperor William II, and King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. During World War I, she served as a nurse.
After her divorce in 1922 she published a series of memoirs that were widely read. They contained unusual and somewhat scandalous descriptions and insights into the relations between members of the Hochberg family as well as a great deal of information about the character of the Edwardian epoch during which she had lived.
Today, Ksiaz Castle complex houses an art gallery, two restaurants and three hotels for your enjoyment.
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