Grodno Castle

Grodno Castle is one of the most recognisable castles in Lower Silesia. It crowns Choina hill on the left bank of the Bystrzyca River, where the river valley separates the Owl Mountains from the Wałbrzych Mountains. It can be seen from far down the valley, and from its walls the view opens over surrounding forests and mountain ridges.

What does the castle look like and where does it stand?

The fortress occupies a summit roughly 450 metres above sea level. The spot was no accident: it controlled the Bystrzyca valley, the natural route running between two mountain groups. Even today the castle makes a strong impression as a stern, defensive mass blended into the wooded slopes.

What is the history of Grodno Castle?

According to tradition, the castle was founded in 1193 by Duke Bolesław I the Tall. Together with other strongholds and watchtowers it formed a defensive network on the frontier between the Duchy of Jawor and the Kingdom of Bohemia. Over the centuries it changed hands and was rebuilt several times.

In the sixteenth century a gatehouse was added, decorated with precious sgraffito. A sundial dated 1716 later joined the complex and survives as one of its more charming details. During the Thirty Years' War the castle was damaged in fighting with the Swedes and then slowly fell into ruin.

The last owners of Grodno were the Zedlitz family. They carried out renovation work and strengthened the structure, which helped the castle survive in much better shape than its turbulent history might suggest.

Why did the castle change its name?

After 1945, when the area became part of Poland, the castle was first called Zamek Chojny. The name Grodno came into common use only later and is still used today. The earlier name refers to the hill on which the castle stands.

What is worth seeing on site?

• The gatehouse with sgraffito – Renaissance wall decoration is one of the castle's most valuable features.
• The 1716 sundial – a small but distinctive architectural detail.
• Walls and courtyards – they show how the castle was extended over the centuries.
• Views over the Bystrzyca valley – from the terraces and walls you can see how the fortress sits among the mountains.

How to plan a visit

The castle makes a good destination for a day trip in the Sudetes. It lies in Zagórze Śląskie, in Walim municipality, close to the Owl Mountains, so sightseeing is easy to combine with a mountain walk. The slopes of Choina are steep, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Opening hours and access to individual parts of the site vary with the season, so check current information from the castle's official channels before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Grodno Castle? According to tradition, the founder was Duke Bolesław I the Tall, who established the stronghold at the end of the twelfth century.

Where exactly is the castle? On top of Choina hill in Zagórze Śląskie, on the left bank of the Bystrzyca River, in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

What is the most valuable feature of the castle? Among the most characteristic elements are the gatehouse with sixteenth-century sgraffito decoration and the sundial dated 1716.

Was the castle ever damaged? Yes. It was damaged by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War and then gradually fell into ruin, before later owners undertook renovation.

What was the castle called in the past? After 1945 it was known as Zamek Chojny, later replaced by the name Grodno.