Day Tour from Wroclaw : Jawor (Holy Trinity Church of Peace), Bolkow Castle, Książ Castle, Swidnica (Holy Trinity Church of Peace)
Discover with us beauty and History of Poland and Lower Silesia. During this one day tour, starting from Wroclaw, we want you to visit castles and beautiful churches (on the World Heritage List of Unesco).
First we start our journey with the visit of Evangelical Church of Peace in Jawor. The Evangelical Church of Peace in Jawor, is a remarkable wooden Lutheran church with a wattle and daub structure. It holds historical significance as it was built under the agreements of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which marked the end of the Thirty Years’ War (which was one of the longest and most destructive conflicts in European history, lasting from 1618 to 1648. Fought primarily in Central Europe, an estimated 4.5 to 8 million soldiers and civilians died as a result of battle, famine, or disease
This unique sacral building is one of two historic churches still standing as part of the Peace Accord of Westphalia (the second one is in the city of Swidnica, which we will visit at the end of the tour).
After our first visit we will continue to Bolkow. This small town in Lower Silesia is home to a stunning castle that dates back to the 13th century. The castle was a stronghold of the Piast dynasty defending nearby trade routes. Bolków Castle remains a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of medieval Poland. It exemplifies Gothic architecture. The castle’s location on a hill, with steep slopes cut by the Nysa Szalona River, adds to its strategic significance.
After lunch we will go toward Walbrzych and famous Ksiaz castle. Książ Castle isn’t just a monument; it’s a living testament to centuries of history, intrigue, and architectural prowess. We invite you to explore its halls, unravel its mysteries, and immerse yourself in its enchanting aura ! The castle’s story begins in the 13th century when a first fortification stood here. Unfortunately, it fell victim to Bohemian forces led by King Ottokar II in 1263. Duke Bolko I the Strict ruler of Świdnica and Jawor commissioned the construction of a new castle, making it his residence and proudly adding “Lord of Książ” to his titles. The castle passed through many hands during the History. The von Hochberg family owned the castle from 1509 until 1944. Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg (1861 – 1938) was Prince of Pless (Pszczyna), Count von Hochberg and Baron of Fürstenstein (Książ) was the husband (1891–1923) of Mary Theresa Olivia Hochberg von Pless, also known as Princess Daisy (you will learn more about during the visit) and was member of one of the wealthiest European noble families, he was the owner of large estates and coal mines in Silesia which brought him enormous fortune. During World War II, the castle was seized by the Nazi regime in 1944. The building complex at Fürstenstein became part of the vast underground Project Riese complex, presumably a projected Führer Headquarter and a future abode for Adolf Hitler.
Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo elements blend seamlessly in Książ Castle’s design. It stands as the largest castle in Silesia and ranks third in Poland, following Malbork Castle and Wawel Castle. Perched within Ksiaz Landscape Park, surrounded by the Sudetes and Sudeten Foreland, the castle overlooks the picturesque gorge of the Pelcznica River.
Our last step of the day will be the The Holy Trinity Church of Peace in Świdnica is the largest wooden Baroque temple in Europe and a historic religious building built under the agreements of the Treaty of Westphalia signed in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years’ War as we mentioned earlier. It belongs to the Świdnica parish of the Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland. The building has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2001. The Church was built in the wattle and daub system as a centrally located building based on a wooden frame filled with a mass of clay and straw. It was built on a Greek cross plan. The first floor and four floors of galleries can accommodate 7,500 people (including 3,000 seats).
Contact us to get more informations about our exclusive day tours and booking process. Welcome to Wroclaw and Lower Silesia !