History of its establishment
The castle in Bolków was built on a hill above the Nysa Szalona River. The beginnings of the castle date back to the second half of the 13th century. Its builder was probably Bolesław Rogatka, also known as Boleslaw the Bald, the Duke of Legnica. However, it soon became the property of the Dukes of Świdnica, and later – Dukes of Świdnica-Jawor – Bolek I and Bolek II, who expanded the fortress. In the first half of the 16th century, it was reconstructed and expanded, with external perimeter walls and bastions added, but in the 18th century it was abandoned. In the 19th century, the ruins were adapted for sightseeing, and in 1900 a small museum opened.
The ruins consist of several parts. The highest part of the hill is occupied by the remains of the original castle built in the 13th century, with a defensive tower standing at a height of 25 meters and a characteristic beak facing south. Below the upper castle, there is the so-called Great Courtyard. On the southern side, between the upper castle and the perimeter walls, there stretches an extensive courtyard known as the Tournament Yard. From the 16th century, there is the Women’s House, well-preserved and housing a museum exhibition. During this period, the walls of the buildings surrounding the courtyard were decorated with an attic, which was also added to the castle tower. The castle tower provides an excellent vantage point.
Description: Piotr Migoń
Visiting
Currently, the castle is one of the most frequently visited sites of its kind in the Sudetes. Numerous outdoor events are organized here. The most prominent is Castle Party – an annual gathering of gothic music enthusiasts. The castle in Bolków can be visited throughout the week. On Mondays, the entrance is free, and exhibition halls are closed.
For visiting the castle, you’ll receive a sticker to the Passport of the Explorer of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes.
