The Houses of Piast and Přemysl

Olomouc Castle

During the high Middle Ages, it was one of the most important castle complexes in the Czech lands. First mentioned in the Chronicle of the Bohemians, stating a stone castle stood there in 1055, Olomouc Castle was the seat of the Přemyslid princes and was primarily utilised for secular and aristocratic purposes.

The Diocese of Olomouc was officially established in 1063, and in the 1130s, Bishop Jindřich Zdík built his residence in close vicinity of the castle and the newly constructed Saint Wenceslas Church. At the time, the appanage princes of Olomouc shared the castle with the Bishops of Olomouc

After the Olomouc branch of the Přemyslids died out in the early 13th century, administration of the Olomouc appanage was transferred directly to the king. The castle lost its residential function, but retained military and administrative functions. Its blood-red letter day in history occurred when the last Přemyslid King of Bohemia, Wenceslas III, was murdered there in 1306.

Úsov Chateau

Construction of a castle at Úsov was ordered either by King Wenceslas I, or his successor, Ottokar II. It was situated on the edge of a hunting forest, which corresponds with the use of the present-day chateau – it houses the Hunting and Forestry Museum with rich collections, established there in 1898.

Piast Tower in Opole

Standing on an island on the Oder, it is one of the most characteristic monuments in Opole and the only remnant of Piast Castle. The tower now presents the history of the House of Piast in Opole through interactive exhibits that show how people lived in the medieval town. The observation deck offers splendid views of the city and its surroundings.

Upper Castle in Opole

Visit the remains of the Upper Castle, founded by the House of Piast, and immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. During the tour and various other events, you can even wear medieval clothes and armour.

Tipy v okolí

• Přerov – a royal city established by Ottokar II. Be sure to visit the chateau with the Comenius Museum.

Tipy na ubytování

Hotel Weneda in Opole • Hotel Mercure in Opole

Tipy na stravování

Original Restaurant Drápal in Olomouc, Tvarůžková cukrárna in Loštice

Brzeg Chateau

One of the most spectacular Polish residences, it was built in the 13th century as a Gothic citadel and rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau in the 16th century. This palace, often called the “Wawel of Silesia”, witnessed great events and was the centre of the principality for centuries.

It now houses the Museum of Silesian Piasts, the only one in Poland that focuses on the history of the Silesian branch of the royal dynasty and Piast traditions in Silesia.

Niemodlin Castle

This majestic castle, built by Bolko I of Opole, served as a defensive post for centuries, witnessing the turbulent history of Poland, and Europe as well. The courtyard, chapel with historical frescoes and paintings, and crypt deserve your attention. The castle’s cellars include an exhibit of armours and icons, as well as various passages and vaults.

Tipy v okolí

• Goldmine in Złoty Stok – You can go to a guided tour of the Museum of Mining, a former gold and arsenic mine. The exhibit presents the history of gold mining in the region, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Tipy na ubytování

• Złoty Jar, Złoty Stok
• Kuźnia Smaków, Małe Pułkowo  

Tipy na stravování

• Złoty Jar, Złoty Stok
• Kuźnia Smaków, Małe Pułkowo  

Ząbkowice Śląskie

The castle was built around 1300 by Piast prince Duke Bolko I the Strict or his son Bernard as an administrative and protective seat. It was later rebuilt in Renaissance style by Charles I of Poděbrady, grandson of King George of Poděbrady. The castle combined defensive and residential functions. After the local lineage of the House of Poděbrady died out, the castle passed directly into the ownership of the King of Bohemia, but its fate was sealed by the Thirty Years’ War when it was largely destroyed.

Książ Castle

Built in 1288–1292, it is the largest castle in Lower Silesia and the third-largest in Poland. The original castle protected the border of the principality and trade route from Bohemia to Wroclaw. Its construction was initiated by Duke Bolko I the Strict from the Silesian branch of the House of Piast. It later became the property of the Czech kings. Tourists can enjoy day- and night-time tours of the interiors, terraces, and mysterious underground rooms.

Tipy v okolí

• Church of Peace in Jawor – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tipy na ubytování

• Maria Antonina Hotel & Restaurant, Zagórze Śląskie

Tipy na stravování

• Maria Antonina Hotel & Restaurant, Zagórze Śląskie