Stillfried Castle, Baroque castle in Nowa Ruda, Poland.
Stillfried Castle is a Baroque structure in Nowa Ruda organized around a central courtyard with four wings arranged in a square pattern. The facades display typical Baroque features including two-story projections divided by pilasters and windows topped with decorative moldings.
Originally built in 1352 as a fortified manor house, it was repeatedly reconstructed after fires caused by regional wars in the 15th and 17th centuries. The Baroque transformation took place between 1700 and 1730 under the direction of Italian architects.
The castle's main hall served as a worship space for the local evangelical community for about 50 years, reflecting the diverse religious traditions of the region.
The castle stands in the town center of Nowa Ruda and remains privately owned, which limits public access to the grounds. Visitors should check locally about viewing opportunities and respect the boundaries of private property.
Italian architect Andrea Carove directed the complete Baroque redesign and specifically removed the original defensive tower to transform the fortified structure into a purely residential building. This radical change made the castle abandon its military purpose entirely in favor of representational living space.
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