Siedlęcin Tower

The Ducal Tower in Siedlęcin (say "shed-WEN-cheen") is a 14th-century residential tower on the Bóbr River, a few kilometers northwest of Jelenia Góra in Lower Silesia. It is among the largest medieval tower houses in Central Europe, but its real treasure is inside: wall paintings showing the legend of Sir Lancelot of the Lake, one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. Few foreign visitors know it, which makes it a rewarding detour.

A duke's tower

Tree-ring dating places construction in 1313–1315, for Duke Henry I of Jawor, at a river crossing. It later passed to his nephew, Duke Bolko II of Świdnica, whose widow sold it to the courtier Jenchin von Redern; his family held it until the mid-15th century. That is why the current owners insist on calling it a ducal, not a knight's, tower. The stone block measures about 20 × 14.5 m and once had cellars, a ground floor, three residential stories and a crenellated wall-walk, surrounded by a wall and a moat. After a fire in 1575, the battlements were walled up and a new roof added. From the 18th century until 1945 it belonged to the Schaffgotsch counts; since 2001 it has been owned by the Zamek Chudów Foundation, which continues conservation and research.

The Lancelot murals

In the Great Hall on the second floor, paintings made around 1346 in the al secco technique (paint on dry plaster) depict scenes from the Lancelot story. According to the tower's managers, they are the only medieval wall paintings of this legend in the world preserved in their original setting. The foundation also notes that the tower has Poland's oldest surviving wooden ceilings.

Visiting tips

Visits are self-guided, with introductory films on site. Guided tours in Polish cost 50 PLN (book at least two days ahead); other languages depend on availability. Allow about an hour. Families can ask for the children's guide prepared by the association that runs the site. Upper floors are reached by wooden stairs, so wheelchair access is limited.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• May–October: daily 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30).
• November–April: daily 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30).
• Tickets: 15 PLN adult, 10 PLN reduced (children from 4, students under 26, seniors 60+); family ticket (2+2) 45 PLN. Prices are in Polish zloty.

How to get there

The tower is at ul. Długa 21 in Siedlęcin. Jelenia Góra is about 110 km west of Wrocław (1.5–2 hours by car or direct train), and Wrocław airport (WRO) is the nearest major airport; from Jelenia Góra the tower is a short drive toward Wleń. There is a small park by the river.

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely, if you like medieval art or Arthurian legend; it is one of the most unusual sights in the region. Combine it with Jelenia Góra's Market Square or the spa quarter of Cieplice.