Czocha Castle (pronounced Cho-ha) is located in the western Lower Silesia region of Poland. The town of Lesna where the castle is located is in the southwest “corner” of the country, a few miles north from Czechia, and twenty-some miles from Germany.
The castle stands on a wooded peninsula extending into the Kwisa River flowing through Lake Lesna.
The castle is a very popular tourist attraction because it is surrounded by a shroud of mystery and subject of many popular legends. They often include stories of ghosts of some of the former owners and residents, betrayals, beheadings, victims of accidents, executed infidel spouses, etc. These usually relate to events from centuries ago.
However, there are also some recent mysteries, like these related to the part of the castle’s treasures supposedly not removed by the last owner, Ernst Gutschow. Some of them might still be hidden somewhere in the castle’s dungeons.
Brief History of Czocha Castle
Czocha Castle began as a defensive castle, on the Bohemian-Lusatian border. It was built in the 13th century by the order of Wenceslaus I of Bohemia.
Over the years, the castle changed hands many times, and some of the owners made modifications, reinforcements, and renovations.
In the 16th century, it was rebuilt more in the form of a Renaissance estate.
In 1793, the fire destroyed the whole complex.
Since then, it had to wait a long time before it was rebuilt to its original glory.
In 1909, a cigar manufacturer from Dresden, Ernst Gutschow bought the castle and ordered a major remodeling, based on a 1703 painting of the castle.
Gutschow lived in the castle until March 1945. Before leaving, he packed up the most valuable possessions and shipped them out.
After World War II, the castle was ransacked several times, both by soldiers of the Soviet Red Army, and Polish thieves, who came to the so-called Recovered Territories from the central and eastern part of the country.
In 1952, the Polish Army took the castle over and used it as a military vacation resort.
Finally, in September 1996 the castle was opened to the public.
In 2012, an annual National Geographic Poland poll nominated the castle as one of the “New Seven Wonders of Poland”.
Touring of Czocha Castle
The castle is full of secret passages, stylish chambers, and remarkable exhibits. They will make your trip a memorable adventure.
The walls of this medieval castle hide numerous secrets of its previous owners, that are being slowly revealed by modern researchers.
When touring the Czocha Castle with a guide, you will have a chance to experience its history intertwined with marvelous legends and stories.
The tour of the castle begins in the grand Knight’s Hall, which sometimes is used as a ballroom.
The visitors may take a peek inside a beautiful Marble Hall, where they can see wall paintings and an infamous fireplace. (Legend says that a days-old illegitimate baby was bricked up inside of it, after the execution of the infidel wife by drowning in a well).
Visitors may also tour the Treasury – a vault, once secured with steel and concrete doors.
Another room to visit is the Library Hall, filled with numerous books. The room is especially interesting because it contains many masonry symbols, which are always intriguing since Masons have been such a mysterious order.
In the Portrait Hall, you have a chance to see the portraits of Piast dynasty members hanging on its walls.
The Prince’s Chamber is a place that sparks a lot of interest among visitors because its bed is the subject of a legend according to which a hidden mechanism was installed under the bed, which, when activated, would drop those asleep into the dungeon. It was supposedly a convenient way to get rid of a wife by one castle owner when he wanted to replace her with a newer one.
However, when investigated, it was proven to be only a legend. (The mechanism that is.)
The visitors will also have a chance to see an interesting early XX-century bathroom adjacent to the Chamber of the last owner’s daughters.
Tourists can also climb the lookout tower and enjoy a magnificent view of the Kwisa River and nearby forests.
One thing you need to understand though is that the castle was robbed a few times after WWII by various groups of people. Therefore, this is not a place where the riches and the opulence of the past centuries are on display. As you can see in the pictures, the furnishings and decorations are rather sparse.
Hours of Operation
– 10 AM – 5:15 PM (last group around 4 PM)
– 10 AM – 8 PM (July – August, last group around 6:30 PM)
Day tour usually lasts about 70 minutes.
Night tours are much longer and last about 3 hours. Night tours are offered only on special days (check the castle’s website).
Parking
Parking spots are marked with “PARKING ZAMKU CZOCHA”
Cars: 10zł ($2.50)
Buses: 20zł ($5.00)
Pets Policy
Pets are not allowed inside the Czocha Castle.
Courtyard tours with pets are allowed as long as a dog wears a muzzle. Miniature dogs (max. 30cm (1 ft.)) are excused from wearing a muzzle. The rule applies to breeds such as York, Shih-Tzu, and Maltese.
During outdoor events, touring the courtyards with pets is not allowed (due to concerns for their safety) because of the use of pyrotechnic effects, and increased tourist presence.
Tickets (2024 prices)
Tickets can be purchased online here https://bilety.zamekczocha.com/
– Standard ticket – 40 PLN / person (~ $10.00)
– Discounted ticket – 30 PLN / person (~ $7.50) Reduced tickets apply to children and teenagers aged 15 and below, and people with disabilities.
– Night tour ticket – 65 PLN / person (~ $16.00)
Hotel in Czocha Castle
The castle has some hotel rooms, which range in price from $75.00 to $230. The price depends on the chosen room and the number of occupants.
There are few “theme” rooms. These are the most expensive.
According to the website, “All rooms are equipped with guest comfort in mind. However, due to its historic character, Czocha Castle has 10 rooms without bathrooms. Their lack is compensated by ever clean and hygienic showers in the corridor.”
So, be sure to ask about a bathroom, to make sure you know your options.
The prices can be found here (unfortunately only in Polish): Cennik pokoi – https://zamekczocha.com/wp-content/uploads/Cennik-pokoi-Zamek-Czocha-1.pdf
Other Amenities
- Restaurant
- Café (open only in Spring, Summer and Fall)
- Special events (including some event for kids)
Summary
The Czocha castle is an interesting place to visit, especially, for people interested in history.
It was for a long time on my list, and I’m glad I went.
However, those who visited some castles in Italy, France, or even Polish Wawel Palace in Krakow, or the Teutonic Knights’ Malbork Castle in northeastern Poland, might be disappointed.
The Czocha Castle is much smaller, and not as impressive.
With that said, if you are in the area, definitely stop by and visit. It is still worth seeing. After all – it’s still a medieval castle!
Resources
If you like visiting castles, check out my post about a castle in Spain, in which your can stay – Castillo de Castellar de la Frontera
