Janowice Wielkie, dolnośląskie
Zamek Bolczów
Stone walls merge with granite outcrops. The ruins of Bolczów preserve courtyards, a cistern and defences adapted for firearms.
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Zamek Bolczów
At Bolczów, granite outcrops form part of the castle: they support buildings, replace sections of wall and determine the shape of the courtyards. The stronghold occupies a rocky ridge in the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains, south of Janowice Wielkie. Stone steps and passages link its different levels. A visit follows architecture closely shaped by the terrain.
The castle first appears in documents in 1375, as the property of Clericus Bolze. Between 1537 and 1543 it belonged to Justus Decius, secretary to King Sigismund the Old, who also invested in mining at nearby Miedzianka. Defensive improvements in the first half of the 16th century added a barbican, an artillery tower and openings for firearms. Behind these defences stood the older upper castle, with its residential building and rainwater cistern.
A fire in 1645, during the Thirty Years’ War, ended Bolczów’s life as an inhabited stronghold. The castle was not rebuilt in its former form. In the 19th century the ruins began to attract visitors; clearance work was undertaken, and an inn was established within the older buildings. Today, traces of domestic life, defence and later tourism stand alongside the exposed granite on which the castle was built.
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Opening hours
- Monday
- 00:00–24:00
- Tuesday
- 00:00–24:00
- Wednesday
- 00:00–24:00
- Thursday
- 00:00–24:00
- Friday
- 00:00–24:00
- Saturday
- 00:00–24:00
- Sunday
- 00:00–24:00
The ruins are accessible around the clock. Access may be temporarily restricted by forest management notices; follow signs on the trails and in the ruins.
Visiting the ruins
- Free admission
- free
Admission to the ruins is free.
Image generated or substantially modified by AI.Thematic routeBolczów: From the Gate to KapelaniaEight stops from the moat and entrance defences to the residential part of the upper castle.Start the walk
Address
Zamkowy Grzbiet, ruiny zamku Bolczów58-520 Janowice Wielkie
The ruins are reached by a forest trail. The castle has stone steps, passages between rocks and changes of level. Before setting out, check Śnieżka Forest District notices and signs on the ground.
- Stairs presentYes