Lower Silesia is undoubtedly the leader among the provinces abounding in castles and palaces. Among the well-preserved specimens, made available to visitors, there are also hidden gems as well as breathtaking huge ruins reminiscent of its former glory. One of such places where the castle and ruins are close neighbors is Bolków - the Polish capital of dark independent music, the host of the Castle Party Festival and Świny, a village bordering Bolków.

Every year, crowds arriving to Bolków have the opportunity to see the majestically rising castle above the sleepy town. According to the legend, the guardhouse dating back to the 9th century has been extended over the centuries and the castle created for it for hundreds of years was based on invasions and attempts to destroy it. The first mention of the castle comes from 1277, thanks to Prince Bolesław II Rogatka, who calls him "... castro nostro ...". The castle, founded by the prince, extended and inhabited for many years, was finally built in the 16th century: a new residential building was built, the fortified area was enlarged, courtyards surrounded by walls and bastions were built. In total, the castle occupied an area of ​​7.600 m2.

Since 1810 there has been a slow degradation of the building, which is mainly due to the fact that it was given to the State Treasury. Subsequent events, such as the demolition of part of the walls for road repair, are another step in the slow ruin of the castle.

The 20th century brings attempts to restore its former glory. The plan to revive tourism started in 1913 was interrupted by the outbreak of war.

It was not until 1994 that the reconstruction of the castle was resumed. The Knights Brotherhood is also founded whose main purpose is to revive the castle's former splendor by organizing, among other things, Knight's Tournaments. Since 1997, the walls of Bolkow in one weekend in July have turned into a haven for all fans of independent music, gathering them during the Castle Party festival.

Visible from the top of the tower of the castle tower, the remains of the castle in Świny. Currently, the picturesque and extensive ruins were once a castle that could boast of "invincibility". According to the conclusions, the Świnach castle was one of those that never managed to get.

It appears for the first time around 1108 in written sources - in the chronicles of Kosma and in the document of Pope Hadrian IV - called the castellan castle. The castle's rulers developed it successively, creating a powerful and magnificent building combining different styles. The castle blossomed, but it did not last long. Sold and handed over to a distant family, it was deserted until 1761. Soldiers who broke up and plundered even the tombs of Świnków in the nearby castle church, refused so much that from that time the building was abandoned. In the twentieth century, attempts were made to rescue the monument by cleaning and strengthening the walls, and even covering the castle with a castle roof.

Today in Świny we can admire the picturesque ruins available to visitors. The castle was in private hands and apparently there is a chance to rebuild and restore its former splendor.

Being in the vicinity of Bolków, you can not miss the castle of Bolków and the picturesque ruins. It is an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to get to know the history of these places "eye to eye". Staying in such places is like moving around in time and only some elements of the environment can remind you which one really has a year.

Photos provided courtesy of https://www.naszeszlaki.pl/