Świny is primarily known for the impressive ruins of a castle built on the edge of a plateau built of Permian volcanic rocks. The village belongs to the oldest in the region and was mentioned in various historical documents, including the Czech chronicle of Kosmas dating back to 1108. It must have been a significant centre of power at that time, likely with the status of a castellany. The status of the stronghold diminished after the construction of the Bolków Castle in the 13th century, where the seat of princely power was relocated. From the late 13th century, the stronghold was in the possession of the Świnkowie family (von Schweinichen) until the first half of the 18th century. The castle was abandoned in 1769, and from the 19th century onwards, it gradually fell into greater disrepair. However, the partially ruined medieval fortress remained a tourist attraction for visitors to Silesia. In the 1960s, conservation work was carried out, and since the 1990s, the ruins have been privately owned but are open to the public for a fee, allowing visitors to explore them.
The castle ruins cover an area of almost 5000 square meters. The central part of the complex features a mighty four-story residential tower. The current layout of the castle dates back to the expansion in the years 1614-1620 when the area was enlarged, surrounded by walls with rounded corner bastions, and a three-story residential wing with two towers at both ends was added on the northeast side. In the lower castle area, you can find the Church of St. Nicholas, originally built as a castle chapel in 1318, and its present form dates from the late 16th century.
Description: Pior Migoń
