Grodziec Castle (ger. Groditzburg) is a late-Gothic residence from the 13th century, located on the Grodziec hill (Kaczawskie Foothills), in the village of the same name. The castle is partly kept in ruins to remind of its turbulent times and former glory.
Grodziec Castle its history dates back to the times of the Piast dynasty. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1155. We know that Henry the Bearded rebuilt the castle and replaced the wooden building with a brick one. In turn, during the times of Frederick III, the castle reached its peak of splendour. For the next years Grodziec Castle passed from hand to hand. In addition, it was systematically expanded or rebuilt after the Hussite Wars or the Thirty Years' War.
Grodziec Castle it never returned to its Renaissance glory. The twentieth century and the post-war turmoil did not turn out to be more kind and the castle turned into ruin until 1959, when reconstruction work began in it. Currently, the castle is the center of festivals taking place in the municipality of Grodno, such as the Knights' Tournament held in August or the Wine and Honey Festival, which are worth remembering when planning a visit to the castle.
Grodziec Castle - information for tourists
There is a possibility of sightseeing Grodziec Castle from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00. The price of a normal ticket is PLN 28, and a reduced ticket is PLN 23. In addition, during the weekend, the residence can be visited with a guide for the price of the ticket. On the premises there is a place to organize a bonfire for groups, at the price of PLN 5 per person.
The castle is located between Bolesławiec and Złotoryja, about 50 km from Jelenia Góra. When traveling by car, you can get to the facility via the A4 motorway. There is free parking in front of the castle. There is a bus from the bus station in Złotoryja, which will take you directly to the hotel Grodziec Castle – such a journey takes about 30 minutes.
Grodziec Castle is the last point on the Piast Castles Trail, which starts at Grodno Castle – the trail stretches for approx. 150 km. Therefore, it is usually traveled by bicycle or car. At the Grodziec Hill there is also the Extinct Volcanoes Trail, one of the most interesting routes to visit in the oldest mountains in Poland - the Sudetes.