The construction of the tower in Oświęcim began in the first half of the 13th century and was completed in the 14th century. Initially, stone was used in its creation, but over time it was replaced by brick. Apart from its guard and defence function, it was to provide the castle’s inhabitants with shelter in case of danger. It was the last point of defence. The only entrance was at the level...

The castle in Birów shows us what a defensive settlement might have looked like from the times when Poland was ruled by the first Piast dynasty. The main building material was wood, but our ancestors also used earth and stones. Ramparts and a palisade protected against enemies. When building them, the natural defensive qualities of the mountain were made great use of - steep rocks and...

Museum contains archaeological, historical and ethnographical collections on history of Wolin city and its surroundings. There is also a unique collection of photographs showing life in Western Pomerania after 1945. Museum also has a library available for all visitors. Museum history First exhibition on early medieval history of Wolin was held by German researchers in the 1930s....

Centrum Ceramiki Unikatowej (en. Unique Ceramic Centre) offers ceramic and pottery workshops (individual and group classes) during which the participants work on a selected clay modelling technique. The Centre also conducts classes for kindergartens and schools as well as for students of all education levels. In the Centre, we also offer a possibility to organize original, creative birthday...

There are two tunnels under the castle hill in Oświęcim, located between Zamkowa and Bulwary Streets. The first one, which is older, runs in an east-west direction and connects the opposite slopes of the hill. It’s the so called “long” or “Austrian” tunnel. It was built during the Austrian partition, probably at the end of the 18th century. It has a pear-shaped cross-section and was built of...

The terraces and Książ garden were developed in the eighteenth century, at first in the symmetrical French style. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the castle’s last mistress, Princess Daisy, brought about further embellishments. The British gardeners whom she engaged arranged some of the terraces in the English style, adapting them to the natural landscape. Today up to 14 terraces...

For the first time ever, the gardens of Książ Castle will come alive with a thousand lights! For five months (November 8, 2019 – March 31, 2020), the Castle terraces will turn into a spectacular light show, bringing a shimmering vitality to the Castle walls. Streams of light will flow from the fountains; flowers will bloom on the Rose Terrace; and on the West Terrace, transformed into a...

At long last, the area under Książ Castle is open to visitors! October 16, 2018, marks a turning point: on this day, the first group of visitors will go into the tunnel that was once dug 50 metres under the Castle. The  one-and-a-half kilometre underground route will intrigue visitors with its variety of geological and historical curiosities. As they make their way, visitors will discover...

The Wałbrzych Palm House arose from the initiative of the last representative of the Hochberg dynasty in Książ Castle, Hans Heinrich XV. The Prince had it built for his spouse, Mary Theresa Cornwallis-West, known as Daisy:  a lover of beautiful flowers and original plants. To this day, this expression of love -- the largest imaginable “bouquet of flowers” -- holds great charm. It is the only...