Roztoka Castle

In a village between Świdnica and Jaworzyna Śląska hides the former summer residence of the Hochbergs — the family settled here first, before it took over Książ castle. A moated castle existed here as early as the 14th century: in 1374 the knight Hentschel von Reibnitz is mentioned, and in 1497 Conrad I von Hochberg bought the estate, beginning nearly 450 years of family history.

A king in a tent and emperors on manoeuvres

The residence’s garden was so famous that Frederick the Great spent a night sleeping in a tent under the open sky. In 1890 the emperors Franz Joseph I and Wilhelm II arrived here for military manoeuvres. The manor, expanded in 1720 into a baroque residence, was remodelled in 1868–1871 in the Neo-Renaissance spirit; it has preserved the moat, the mighty tower with a terrace and the English-style park, while of the French garden a romantic ruin of the pavilion called the “favorite” remains.

A treasure depot and film interiors

During World War II the palace served as a secret depot of artworks brought in from Berlin, Wrocław and Książ, among others. Today the revitalised interiors — the piano nobile with a ballroom, painted ceiling and music salon — open to visitors on weekends in the tourist season, with guides. The scenery attracts filmmakers: “Chopin, Chopin!”, the new “Lalka” and the third season of the series “1670” were shot here.

In practice

Roztoka lies in the Żarów commune, not far from Świdnica and Książ castle. Tickets are bought on site; outside the season weekends the castle is viewed from outside, strolling through the park and the farm courtyard.