Grodziec Castle

Grodziec Castle

The Castle hill on which the Grodziec Castle is built is a former volcano. A characteristic conical appearance is visible even from the city of Legnica which lies at the distance of 30 km. Together with Ostrzyca and Wilcza Góra it forms a hallmark of the Land of Extinct Volcanos with a status of UNESCO World Geopark. The Castle Hill location has made it a perfect place to build a protective and observation object since time immemorial. The cone was a hard place to conquer but lack of trees make it possible to view the approaching enemy from a large distance.

The first mentions of the fortified stronghold on the lonely hill date back to the 12th century. Thanks to the family of Piasts, prince Frederick I in particular, the castle became an important spot on the map of Silesia. It was altered to resemble the family seat of the Piasts in Legnica. It was indeed a true pearl among the gothic-renaissance residences. The growth of the stronghold lasted until the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Back then, it was conquered by the armies of prince Albrecht Wallenstein which brought along substantial destruction. The castle could not be reinstated to its former glory despite many attempts. It gradually turned into ruins after the beginning of the 19th century. At that time, the property in Grodziec – a village which was named after the former stronghold went into the hands of the von Hochberg family They, however, did not manage to rebuild the castle and instead – chose the palace located below the ruins for their residence.

During the nascent tourism in the 19th century the remains of the former Piast stronghold became the place of visits by many travellers. This state lasted until the beginning of the 20th century. The property remained in the hands of the von Dirksen family. They ordered a conduct of reconstruction works to be carried out by architect Bodo Ebhard. The effects of this venture are visible today. He combined former ruins and the newly built fragments of the castle into one.

Until the outbreak of World War II it was a very popular tourist attraction. After 1945, the castle fell into ruins yet again. Numerous attempts were made to adopt its interiors. For a short period of time it even served the Laboratory Theatre of Jerzy Grotowski. Currently, under the guardianship of the Zagrodno Commune, it is one of the most often visited monuments of this part of Lower Silesia. Various knight’s tournaments are organized here which draw on former Piast traditions. One of the most breathtaking views at the Kaczawskie Foothills, Kaczawskie Hills and Karkonosze Mountains spreads from the castle tower.