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Treasures of (not only) the Duchy of Nysa

Treasures of (not only) the Duchy of Nysa

The Duchy of Nysa is a historical territory in Lower Silesia, along the middle part of the Eastern Neisse River. It originally comprised the areas around the towns of Nysa, Otmuchów, Paczków, Głuchołazy, Vidnava, and Jeseník, with Grodków added later.

The Duchy of Nysa began forming at the turn of the 11–12th centuries. There were constant disputes about the borders throughout its existence – mainly due to revenues from the mining of precious metals. At different points, the territory belonged to the Kings of Bohemia, Bishops of Wroclaw, and House of Piast. The influx of German miners and other trades led to strong Germanisation of the region as early as in the 13th century.

A major turning point in the history of the duchy was the 18th-century War of the Austrian Succession between Maria Theresa and Frederick II, King of Prussia, resulting in the division of Silesia and the Duchy of Nysa. The Habsburg monarchy and Prussia divided this region among themselves in 1742.

Even today, the former Duchy of Nysa is divided between Poland and the Czech Republic.

You can learn more about the history of this rich and significant Silesian duchy during the tours of selected castles and chateaus here, in the border areas.

The History of Jeseník and Its Surroundings

Jeseník Water Fortress

During tours of the Jeseník Water Fortress, visitors will learn about the beauties and treasures of the surrounding mountains as well as the atrocities of the 17th-century witch trials. The village of Freiwaldau, today’s city of Jeseník, was established in the 13th century at the junction of strategic trade routes between Moravia and Silesia. The fortress was meant to guard the property of the Bishops of Wroclaw.

Jánský vrch Chateau

This chateau looms over the town of Javorník close to the Czech-Polish border. The first written record of the original hold dates back to the late 13th century, when it was owned by the Polish House of Świdnica. But from the mid-14th century, the castle and the surrounding domains were owned by the Diocese of Wroclaw for the next six hundred years. The major reconstruction of the castle began towards the end of the 15th century when its name was also changed to Jánský Vrch in honour of John the Baptist, patron saint of the Bishops of Wroclaw. The definitive redevelopment into a Baroque chateau took place under the episcopate of Bishop Philipp Gotthard of Schaffgotsch in the 18th century.

Tours of the chateau will lead you to the ceremonial rooms, but you will also see the living quarters of servants, the bathroom, kitchen, and two chapels. The courtyard is still illuminated by gaslights, a technical rarity, and there are also 200-year-old curtains and huge collection of tobacco pipes at the chateau.

Tips for trips in the area:

  • Priessnitz Spa Resort with the ‘balneopark’ – the spa carries the name of its founder Vincenz Priessnitz, the founder of hydrotherapy. It specialises in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract, blood circulation and nervous system disorders, and offers curative stays to improve physical and mental fitness.

Tips for accommodation and boarding:

  • Penzion Kovárna, Lipová-lázně
  • Penzion Račí údolí

Tipy v okolí

  • Priessnitz Spa Resort with the ‘balneopark’ – the spa carries the name of its founder Vincenz Priessnitz, the founder of hydrotherapy. It specialises in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract, blood circulation and nervous system disorders, and offers curative stays to improve physical and mental fitness.

Tipy na ubytování

  • Penzion Kovárna, Lipová-lázně
  • Penzion Račí údolí

Palatial Residences

Bishop’s Palace in Nysa

Initiated by Archduke and Bishop Charles of Austria, the construction of a palace for the Bishops of Wroclaw began in 1620. Around 1660, three other palace wings were built. The last part of the construction designed by Krzysztof Tausch was finished in 1729. The palace served as a residence of the Bishops of Wroclaw, and after 1881 belonged to the judicial authorities. It now houses the Nysa District Museum.

Sulisław Palace

Sulisław Palace impresses with its Gothic-revival architecture. Founded in the 17th century, it was the seat of many prominent figures, including Frederick William III, King of Prussia. Today, the chateau is one of the most luxurious places of the region. Its museum has a rich collection of porcelain, clocks, and paintings. The chateau is also a five-star hotel complex, providing wellness services and excellent conference facilities.

 

Tipy v okolí

  • Nyskie Lake – an ideal summer destination with swimming and various other water activities, as well as a campsite and several restaurants.

Tipy na ubytování

  • Hotel Dębowe Wzgórze, Pokrzywna
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