Castle in Lipa Górna

Lipa Castle (Zamek w Lipie) is a historic fortified residence in the village of Lipa near Bolków, standing on the bank of the Nysa Mała river at 375 m above sea level. It has a Gothic beginning, a Renaissance rebuild, a Neo-Gothic remodelling and a period of ruin behind it, and today it is listed as an immovable monument in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It makes a good stop for anyone exploring the Bolków area who enjoys places where layers of history are still visible.

Where is Lipa Castle?

The village of Lipa lies in the Jawor County, close to Bolków, in Lower Silesia, Poland. The castle stands on the bank of the Nysa Mała, which gives it a picturesque riverside setting. Its elevated position suited its role as a lookout point and a knightly seat.

How did the castle come to be?

The origins of the building go back to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. It was originally intended as a Gothic-style watchtower. The oldest part is a three-storey square tower measuring roughly 6.8 by 6.9 metres. The stone walls of its ground floor are about 1.5 metres thick, which clearly shows the defensive purpose of the original structure.

Who lived here?

In 1471 the castle passed to the von Zedlitz family, specifically to Ernst von Zedlitz, lord of the castle in Bolków. As an opponent of the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus he lost Bolków, so he settled in Lipa, where he died in 1485. The Zedlitz family played the most important role in the history of the site.

How did the castle change over time?

In the 17th century the castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. The work is attributed to members of the Zedlitz family: Ernst, Sigismund and his son Bartel. This turned the former knightly tower into a more comfortable residence.

By the end of the 18th century the building had fallen into decline and was partly demolished. In 1834 it was bought by Count von Stillfried-Rattonitz, who remodelled it in the Neo-Gothic spirit, recalling the medieval character of the stronghold. After the Second World War the residence fell into ruin once more.

What to know before you visit

• The castle is a rewarding subject for photography and walks, especially for fans of defensive architecture and Silesian history.
• It pairs well with other sights around Bolków, including Bolków Castle itself, which is much larger and better prepared for visitors.
• Check beforehand whether the castle is currently open to visitors, as access depends on the owner.
• The warmer months are the best time to visit, when it is easier to combine sightseeing with a walk in the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lipa Castle? In the village of Lipa near Bolków in Lower Silesia, on the bank of the Nysa Mała.

What period does it date from? The oldest part was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries as a Gothic tower. It was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 17th century and in the Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century.

Who were its most important owners? The von Zedlitz family, who took over in 1471, and in the 19th century Count von Stillfried-Rattonitz.

Is it a listed monument? Yes, it is registered as an immovable monument in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

Is it a ruin? After the decline of the late 18th century and the period after the Second World War the site was in poor condition, so it is worth checking its current state before you go.