Wleń Castle (Lenno)

Wleń Castle (Lenno)

High above the Bóbr valley, above a rather small town of Wleń one may find the ruins of one of the oldest castles in Lower Silesia. Historians state that already in the 10th century this place was home to a Slavic stronghold surrounded with embankments, occupied by the tribe of Bobrzanie. In 1160, during the reign of prince Bolesław I the Tall, the so-called Roman House was raised in the premises of the castle. It is considered to be the oldest secular building in Silesia. It is surrounded by a stone wall sealed by clay.

In subsequent centuries, the stronghold was expanded. The chapel was affixed to the Roman House, a fortified tower was built and later on also a residential tower, a castle house and a kitchen. The outline of former buildings may be spotted from the top of the castle tower which survived until modernity to a significant degree. A view of the whole area may be admired from it. It is a bergfried tower (final defence) from the 14th century with a tubular construction. Since 1646, hence, the times of the Thirty Years’ War, the structure has remaining in the state of ruins.

The castle hides over 850 years of history in its walls. It is a true occasion for those wishing to see how old Silesian strongholds looked like. The severity of ruins gives it a unique character. Sightseeing tours which take place by means of a special map obtained at the ticket box stimulate imagination and are an unforgettable history lesson.