Did you know that the history of Kliczków dates back to the 13th century? It is as fascinating as the history of all Silesia. The very first sovereign of the stronghold, Bolko the Severe, even gained the title Corona Silesiae thanks to his efficient management! It was when Kliczków Castle stayed on the border between Czech and the Principality of Świdnica and Jawor. Descendants of Bolko the Severe continued his reasonable politics therefore Kliczków lands shortly became the richest ones in the whole Silesia! In that time, Kliczków Castle was a great fortress located on the high Kwisa bank and it fulfilled mainly a battle function.

KNIGHTLY PAST

In the 13th and 14th centuries Silesian principalities were losing their independence and the rights to strongholds were vested to knights’ families, who transferred them into castle and farm complexes. At the beginning of the 17th century the renaissance rebuilding was ended. Then, a destination of the castle also changed, having evolved from defensive into courtly one. Kliczków received the Municipal Rights in that time.

GHOST IN KLICZKÓW CASTLE!

Many fascinating secrets surround Kliczków Castle. There is a legend, dated from the knights’ times, about the ghost of a centurion. He is said to still haunt in the neighborhood. The legend talks about a king who entrusted a care of his wife and protection over his wealth to his centurion and set out on a war campaign. Unfortunately, the centurion unhappily fell in love with his mistress. He convinced a local bishop that his lord died in the war. He entrapped the coming back home lord. However, the king got rid of the ambush. The master, panting for revenge, collected a knight team, captured and imprisoned unfaithful wife as well as the disloyal centurion. The lord fed them every three days. One day the centurion refused to eat and died alone.

JENNY THE TOWER

In 1810 Hans Heinrich Hermann initiated reconstruction of the castle. Then some neo-Gothic tower arose. It was named Jenny, after the daughter of the count. In that time, Kliczków Castle developed and the manorial farm buildings were moved outside the entrance gate. There were also added picturesque towers, portals and cornices to the castle complex. Berlin architects also built new communication galleries and staircases. Kliczków Castle eclectically merged Italian and French Renaissance, English Gothic as well as German Mannerism.

VISIONARY OF GARDENING IN KLICZKÓW

At the end of the XIX century, Eduard Petzold designed a huge, seventy hectares large park. The architect had already been considered a real star of landscape design in those days. The creator, cherished with the English style, made the Kliczkow park look unique. Not only did he enrich the park with very rare tree species, but he also founded a place absolutely unusual in Europe – a horse cemetery. It is still the most characteristic part of the park.

A PEARL THAT SHINES AGAIN

After years of neglects caused by the war maelstrom, an attempt of renewal was made by the Integer company. Thanks to long-term, intensified efforts of Wroclaw businessmen, Kliczków Castle recaptured the erstwhile glitter. It became a pearl in the crown of the Lower Silesian lands afresh!

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