Książ Castle, as it is known, is considered the greatest attraction of Lower Silesia. Only Malbork Castle and Wawel surpass it in size. However, this is not the only reason millions of tourists visit it. Visiting this place offers an opportunity to learn about its incredibly fascinating history, which remains not fully uncovered. Some aspects of its history are shrouded in mystery, even for historians. This includes events from World War II.
A Must-See in Lower Silesia: Książ Castle. A Full-Day Visit
The origins of Książ Castle are unknown. The first mentions of it date back to the late 13th century, though these contain many ambiguities and even contradictions. It is known that the building frequently changed owners and was often destroyed. It is also believed that Adolf Hitler stayed here for a period.
"During World War II, the castle was confiscated by the Third Reich. It was intended to become the representative seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with showcase apartments. Fortunately, this criminal project was never completed," explains Mateusz Mykytyszyn, spokesperson for Książ Castle, in an interview with Wirtualna Polska. Unfortunately, this does not mean that the Third Reich did not leave its mark on the monument. Preparations to accommodate Hitler had begun, during which many interiors were destroyed. A branch of the Groß-Rosen concentration camp was also established here for prisoners used in the work. A 40-meter deep elevator shaft was drilled in front of the main portal, and tunnels and an underground shelter were created beneath the castle. The purpose of these structures remains a matter of debate among researchers. The good news is that reconstruction of the castle began in the 1960s and continues to this day. Książ has five floors above ground and seven below. Touring it will be quite time-consuming, but it is worth dedicating a day of your trip to it.
Książ Castle: Tickets Can Be Purchased at the Ticket Office or Online. Several Options Are Available
The monument is open to tourists year-round, seven days a week. As for ticket prices, several options are available. The basic offer includes a tour of the castle itself with an audio guide and the palm house located two kilometers away, without a guide. In this case, a regular ticket costs 75 PLN, and a reduced ticket costs 65 PLN. The All Day Ticket includes access to the castle, underground areas, palm house, Stallion Stud, and mausoleum. Here, the cost rises to 85 and 75 PLN, respectively. Detailed information about tickets can be found on the official Książ Castle website. It is worth noting that tickets can be purchased both online and at the ticket office, although the former option is highly recommended for saving time.
