Jawor Castle

The Piast castle in Jawor, built in the 13th century by Bolko I the Strict, was the seat of the Duchy of Jawor — and its most recent chapter unfolded as a prison, which operated here until 1956. Survivors within the walls include the Gothic High House, the clock tower of 1665 and a bastion from 1510.

A ducal capital

The stronghold began as a wooden tower on a stone foundation measuring 6.3 by 7.6 metres, surrounded by an earthen rampart and moat. After the Duchy of Jawor was created after 1274, the castle became a ducal residence and the rampart was replaced by a wall up to 2.25 metres thick. Fragments of the Gothic High House survive within today's buildings.

From starostas to prison

In the 16th century the castle passed into private hands — the Seidlitz family — forcing the official starosta to move to Swidnica and the provincial assemblies and land courts to relocate to the Bernardine monastery. In 1527 peasants from Piotrowice even stormed the castle, demanding the release of an imprisoned pastor. In the 18th and 19th centuries the stronghold was converted into a penitentiary that operated until 1956; its traces include the latrine towers and cell corridors.

Memory and architecture

In the courtyard stands a memorial to the women imprisoned here by the Germans in 1943-1945, including French detainees. Also worth seeing are the Mannerist portal of 1656 and the four-sided clock tower, topped with an octagonal attica in 1751. The castle has lost its original defensive character — its uniform facade dates from the 19th century.

Visiting

The castle is still in use: institutions and workshops occupy its rooms, and since 2006 the Association of the Piast Castle in Jawor has championed its revitalisation — a renovation was announced in 2026, so check access to the interiors before your visit. The courtyard and the town-side facade are best appreciated on a short stop of 30-45 minutes. It is a natural halt on a route from Swidnica, next to the famous Church of Peace inscribed on the UNESCO list.