Korfantów Castle

On a low hill above the Ścinawa Niemodlińska valley, at the north-western edge of Korfantów, stands the late Renaissance castle of what was once Friedland. From a distance you see a square tower and three wings arranged in a horseshoe; up close, a stone portal with a lion's head above the entrance. Today the building houses the Opole Rehabilitation Centre, so this is a monument to admire from outside, combined with a walk in the old park.

History: from Pilchner to hospital

The castle is traditionally dated to 1616, when the owner at the time, Pilchner, commissioned the palace-and-park complex — according to the municipality, on the site of an older residence. It was remodelled in the 18th century, in 1819 and in the second half of the 19th century. Until 1945 it was home to a long line of owners of the Friedland estate, including the Schaffgotsch, Redern, Mettich, Nowagk, Burghauss and Pückler families. After the war a Polish administrative office briefly used the building, then it stood empty and was stripped by looters — by the 1960s it was a ruin. It was saved by being handed over for healthcare use: the exterior regained its historic look, but the interiors lost their period features.

What to see

• The horseshoe plan — three wings enclose a rectangular courtyard open to the west; to the east the ensemble is closed by the gatehouse and outbuildings.
• A four-storey square tower at the north-eastern corner and a low bastion to the south.
• The main portal in the central projection: a round arch with a lion's head on the keystone, pilasters ending in lion heads and a frieze of foliage with human faces woven in (so-called grotesque ornament). A balcony above turns it into a two-storey composition.
• The landscape park north of the castle, laid out around 1800 and redesigned in the 19th century — originally divided into the Deer Garden and the Old Pheasantry. Three pedunculate oaks, several centuries old, are protected as natural monuments.

Did you know?

The castle complex was entered on the heritage register on 21 November 1950, and the park even earlier, in 1949. The town's name has a story too: until 1946 it was Friedland (locally Fyrląd), and it was then renamed after the Silesian politician Wojciech Korfanty. Near the sports ground you can still find the tomb of the Pückler-Burghauss family, the last owners of the castle.

Tripto tip

The castle is a working hospital, so do not enter the buildings or disturb patients — the portal, tower and gate courtyard are best viewed from outside before you head into the park. Allow 30–45 minutes for the castle and a short walk. Combine the visit with the Holy Trinity Church in the centre of Korfantów and the medieval penance cross at the corner of Kościuszki and Prudnicka streets. Address: ul. Wyzwolenia 11.