Walbrzych (Poland) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. Main sights of Valbrzych with a description, city location on the map.
City of Wałbrzych (Poland)
Wałbrzych is a city in Poland, located in Lower Silesia, not far from Wroclaw. It is the second-largest city in Lower Silesia Voivodeship, founded in the 12th century, which most of the time belonged to Prussia and is known as Waldenburg. Walbrzych is famous for its historic architecture and the magnificent Księż Castle, which is the third largest castle in Poland.
Walbrzych is the gateway to the Central Sudetenland. The city has long been known for textile production and coal mining. Nowadays, the coal mines are closed, and Wałbrzych is considered one of the greenest cities in Poland, with a great cultural heritage.
Geography and climate
Wałbrzych is located in southwestern Poland in the foothills of Western Pomerania in the Middle Sudetenland. The city’s climate is a type of oceanic climate, which is quite variable and often characterized by rather severe winters.
Information for tourists
- Population – 110 thousand people
- Area – 84.7 km2
- Language – Polish
- Currency – Polish zloty
History
Wałbrzych was founded in the Middle Ages, probably at the end of the 12th century. During this period, there was a Slavic settlement here, in which a small fortified fortress was built over the years. Since 1278, the history of the town has been closely connected with the fate of the Duchy of Svidnica. Valbizh received city rights in 1400-1426.
In 1392, the Duchy of Svidnica and Javír, together with Valbřích, came under Czech rule, and then in 1526 it became part of the Austrian Habsburg state. In 1742, the city, along with most of Silesia, was incorporated into Prussia as a result of the victorious war with Austria. After the end of World War II, Valbizh was transferred to Poland.
Getting there
Located an hour’s drive from Wrocław and its airport, Wałbrzych is a major transportation hub in Western Poland. Therefore, it is easy to get here by train and bus from most Polish cities.
Attractions
Księż Castle is the main attraction of Walbrzych, as well as the largest castle complex in Silesia and the third largest castle in Poland after Marienburg in Malbork and Wawel in Krakow. The castle is built on a high rocky promontory in a bend of the Pelcznica River and is surrounded by a picturesque forest.
Książ Castle was founded in the late 13th century on the site of a fortification previously destroyed by the Czech king. In 1401, it was purchased by a Czech nobleman, Janko of Hotemice, who later became the governor of the Svidnica-Javorz lands. During the Hussite wars, Książ was captured by rebels and occupied in 1428-1429. After Janko’s death, the Czech king handed over the management of the castle to the Moravian general Birka. In 1466, Hans von Schellendorf received the Książ from the Czech crown and renamed it Fürstenstein. At the end of the 15th century the castle was destroyed by the troops of the King of Hungary.
Książ makes an unforgettable impression with its monumentality, diverse architecture, and location. But today’s castle is very different from the one built in the Middle Ages. Initially, it was a typical knightly fortress that played an important role in the defensive border system of the Piast state. Since the late 14th century, the history of Księż was very turbulent and dramatic. The land on which it stood changed hands, and the castle often changed owners and fell victim to wars, robberies, and fires. Everything changed in the 15th century, when the castle was acquired by the Hochbergs. Thanks to the efforts of the new owners, Książ was transformed from a fortified knightly castle into a rich and luxurious palace residence.
In its subsequent history, the church underwent two major reconstructions. The first was carried out in the early 18th century. It was then that the castle acquired a baroque appearance and a monumental eastern facade with the main entrance. The second reconstruction took place in 1909-1923. At that time, the northern and western wings were built, and two towers were added. Unfortunately, the Hochbergs were unable to complete the reconstruction, and the castle was nationalized by Germany.
The Market Square is the central square of Walbrzych, where a weekly market was held in the past. From 1731 to 1853, the Baroque town hall occupied its center. Today, the Market Square’s attractions include historic buildings and a fountain.
The current city hall was built in 1856 in the Neo-Gothic style and is located on the Magistrate’s Square. The first Baroque town hall was built in 1731 in the middle of the Market Square and demolished in 1853.
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is a small medieval Gothic church rebuilt in the Baroque style. The church is located in the center of Wałbrzych and is the oldest building in the city, founded in 1191 on a hill in the middle of a dense forest.
The Church of the Guardian Angels is an impressive neo-Gothic church built on the site of an older church in the late 19th century.
Czetrice is a beautiful Baroque palace built in Wałbrzych in the first half of the 17th century.
The Old Mine (Stara Kopalnia) is the largest post-industrial tourist attraction in Poland, located on the territory of a former coal mine. This unusual museum covers an area of 4.5 hectares and includes several interesting historical industrial objects with authentic mining equipment.
The ruins of Novi Dvur Castle are located on top of Castle Hill. The castle was presumably built by Prince Bolek II of Svidnytsia in the mid-14th century.
The Church of the Savior is a brick Protestant church built in the late 18th century, located next to the Market Square.
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