Niemcza Castle

Niemcza Castle is a Renaissance structure positioned at the northern edge of a hill in this town. Two perpendicular wings form its main layout, with the northern facade featuring sgraffito decorations applied directly to the exterior walls.

A wooden stronghold was replaced by a stone fortress in the 13th century under Duke Bolko I of Świdnica. A major Renaissance renovation in 1585, directed by architect Bernard Niuron, fundamentally transformed the building into a new residential form.

The name comes from the German word referring to foreign or unfamiliar land. The visible decorative portals and detailed facades reflect how the structure was reimagined as a noble residence during its later period.

The castle grounds remain fenced and closed to visitors, though the external walls and architectural details can be viewed from the nearby market square. Standing in that area provides the best vantage point to observe the Renaissance features and decorative details on the facade.

The basement level preserves original cross-vaulted cellars from the medieval construction period, which survived the Renaissance renovations. These underground chambers reveal how earlier structural elements were partially retained and incorporated into the redesigned building.

Location: Niemcza

Inception: 13 century

Founders: Silesian Piasts

Architectural style: Renaissance

Address: Królowej Jadwigi 6

GPS coordinates: 50.71915,16.83542

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03