Gorzanów, Renaissance castle village in Lower Silesia, Poland.
Gorzanów is a village near Kłodzko in Lower Silesia, known for its castle complex with more than 100 interior rooms and a spacious parkland of about 6.6 hectares. The buildings display baroque architecture, which is being restored today by the Palace Foundation while artists' residency programs operate there.
The settlement was originally called Arnoldsdorf and later Grafenort, changing hands between Polish, Bohemian, and Prussian rule multiple times. In 1945 it received its current name, Gorzanów.
The settlement is named after the Herberstein noble family, who organized theatrical performances and Jesuit dramas here in the 17th century. This artistic tradition still shapes how people view the castle today as a space for culture and creative work.
The site is a large complex with castle and parkland, so plan enough time for a leisurely walk around the grounds. Visiting opportunities are connected to the ongoing restoration work and artists' programs, so it is good to inquire ahead.
During World War II, the castle was part of the Grafenort concentration camp system where Jewish women were imprisoned for forced labor. This dark chapter remains a significant part of the site's history and is preserved in remembrance today.
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