Castles

Chudów Castle

Chudów Castle near Gliwice consists of a reconstructed tower and the ruins of a 16th-century noble residence. It is one of the few early Renaissance private residences in Upper Silesia. The tower houses an archaeological and historical museum; the courtyard and surviving walls make the site suitable for a short heritage walk.

From the Gierałtowski residence to a ruin

The castle was built in the first half of the 16th century on the initiative of Jan Gierałtowski, on the site of an earlier wooden residence of the Chudowski family. Its massive walls, moat and wetlands also gave it defensive qualities. The castle burned down on 11 January 1875. Parts of the walls were later dismantled, leaving a picturesque ruin.

The museum in the tower

The exhibition draws on archaeological research by the “Chudów Castle” Foundation. The basement contains pottery and part of a medieval well. The upper floors present a castle model, old photographs, a reconstructed living room, a 16th-century latrine and stove tiles. The courtyard retains wall, pillar and well remains, and the lapidarium displays architectural fragments.

Before your visit

In the 2026 season, the museum is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. Groups can visit on other days by prior arrangement. A standard ticket costs PLN 15 and a reduced ticket PLN 10; check the Foundation’s website for current hours and prices before travelling. Comfortable shoes are useful around the courtyard and moat.