Czocha Castle is one of the most interesting and perhaps most mysterious castles in Poland. It is located in the Lower Silesian province, in the village of Sucha, near the town of Lesna and the border with the Czech Republic. It is a place that will delight any lover of history and architecture. If you are ready for a trip to the Middle Ages, even one with a thrill, then Czocha Castle will be the perfect choice for you.
The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century and is full of mysteries and legends. It used to be a defensive fort and later the residence of aristocrats. The building has remained unchanged to this day and is one of the few castles in Poland that can be visited not only during the day but also at night!
Czocha Castle is a beautiful and mysterious place ideal for relaxation. Both in the castle and in its surroundings, there are many attractions. Within the walls of the castle, there is a hotel, a spa, and a castle restaurant. We also have a rope park here, and horseback riding is also possible. You can spend a few days on the castle grounds and relax among the greenery or hold a party in the beautiful surroundings.
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Czocha Castle History and Legends
Czocha Castle is a building surrounded by an aura of mystery, and this is certainly heightened by the dense network of underground corridors that were created here for unknown reasons, some of which are still undiscovered.
The castle was built in the second half of the 13th century as a Czech border stronghold and belonged to the daughter of Czech King Wenceslas II. In 1315, the castle was given as a wedding dowry to the Piast prince Henry Jaworski.
After his death, the building passed to his nephew Henry – Bolko II of Swidnica and later returned to Czech rule. In the 15th century, the castle became the seat of knightly families, and in the 18th century, it was purchased by Johann Hartung von Uechtritz of the entourage of King August II Sas.
In 1793, the fortification of the castle burned to the ground. In the 20th century, the castle belonged to the Dresden industrialist Ernst Gütschow, who, however, abandoned it on hearing of the approaching Red Army, but to this day there are legends about this owner of the castle.
Since then, Czocha Castle has stood as an abandoned place, with much of its furnishings destroyed. Fortunately, today the castle is a tourist site and an interesting one at that.
Legends associated with this place concern the aforementioned Gütschow family. They tell of the fact that in the bedroom belonging to the owner, or more precisely in his bed, there was a trapdoor, which he opened after each first night spent with his newly married wife. All the wives fell into the dungeon this way, and it is said that to this day a woman’s cry can be heard coming from there.
Another legend concerns the not-entirely-honest wives of the castle’s other owners. There is even a Well of Unfaithful Wives in its courtyard. All women whose husbands were suspected of infidelity were forced to jump into this very well. One of the owners, after taking revenge on his wife, also walled up his illegitimate son in the castle’s fireplace, and his cries can reportedly also be heard here at night.
Add to this the White Lady, who haunts the castle at night and roams its corridors. All this makes Czocha Castle considered one of the most mysterious and disturbing places in Lower Silesia and Poland.
Visiting Czocha Castle
Visiting Czocha Castle is an unforgettable experience. Here you can see the impressive throne room, cloisters, beautiful vaults, and many other interesting architectural features. Interestingly, it happens that the guides also invite you to take a night tour. When the castle is beautifully illuminated, it looks even more impressive and has an amazing atmosphere!
Almost every day, the guides lead visitors through various chambers with numerous hidden passages. The tour begins in the Knights’ Hall, sometimes used as a ballroom.
The castle is also known as the Polish Hogwarts, as it hosts the Summer School of Magic, field games, and magic workshops. Visitors will see the Marble Hall with its beautiful wall paintings and a fireplace where, according to legend, one of the sons of the estate’s former owners was walled up.
The castle also features an exhibition of communications equipment and treasures found during the restoration. Here you will see the Treasury guarded by a steel and concrete door. You can also visit the Library Room, the Portrait Room, and the Prince’s Chamber, which is shrouded in the legend of a special trapdoor. An observation tower is also open to visitors.
As mentioned, Czocha Castle also offers night tours. This special event is held more than a dozen times a year. The night tour starts around 9 pm and lasts for 3 hours. During the tour, guides in period costumes reveal the secrets of the castle to guests.
You can then become witnesses to historical events, watch re-enactments, and traverse secret passages and corridors. The last stop on your night tour is the Multimedia Torture Room, which houses many elaborate torture instruments. It’s worth booking tickets for this event in advance.
Czocha Castle – What Movies Were Filmed There?
Although Czocha Castle is nowadays a publicly accessible site and a popular destination for a weekend trip out of town, its history and legend still seem to cause anxiety and trepidation among visitors. No wonder its aura attracts artists and filmmakers. The castle’s interesting interiors and mysteriousness are the perfect backdrop for films, TV series, or music videos that are made within its walls.
Films such as Valley of Happiness, The Witcher, Legend, Outside Sherwood Forest, Factory of Evil, and the series The Secret of the Cipher Fortress, Two Worlds, Holy War, and First Love were filmed here.
Do you associate any scenes from Czocha Castle? Be sure to let us know in the comments ?!
Sleep in Czocha Castle
Staying at Czocha Castle is an unforgettable experience that combines exceptional comfort with a touch of history. The Zamek Hotel offers elegant rooms that impress with their classic decor, period furniture, and accessories. Guests can choose between rooms with a private or shared bathroom, ensuring options tailored to individual needs.
The morning at the castle begins with a delicious buffet breakfast served in the stylish restaurant. This restaurant also offers exquisite Polish cuisine dishes and grilled specialties, allowing guests to indulge in a variety of flavors. Moreover, the hotel’s café and wine bar provide a wide range of drinks and snacks, perfect for relaxing moments.
Czocha Castle not only guarantees a comfortable stay but also offers exciting attractions for its guests. Knightly combat shows and chamber music ensemble performances make the stay at the hotel even more charming. The staff at the 24-hour reception will be happy to assist in organizing kayak trips, hiking, and cycling tours, allowing guests to explore the beauty of the surrounding nature.
You can book room under this link
Czocha Castle – Attractions in the Area
In the closer and further surroundings of the castle, you will find many interesting attractions, and both the castle and the nearby town of Lesna are a great base for excursions. You can take the opportunity to visit the Jizera Mountains, the Karkonosze Mountains, or go to the Museum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec, Szklarska Poreba and Karpacz, or Swieradow.
In the summer season, water sports on Lake Lesniańskie are very popular. There are also numerous bicycle paths and many interesting hiking trails, including a lagoon on the Kwisa River.
Czocha Castle is a picturesque place, and its walls overgrown with greenery are a really interesting attraction. In addition, the history and legends associated with this place attract many tourists every year. I recommend you to visit the castle and see for yourself if it is haunted there. It will certainly be a unique visit compared to other Polish castles, fortresses, and historic buildings.
See also:
The Most Beautiful Castles in Poland You Have to Visit
Discover Castles and Palaces of Lower Silesia: A Journey Through History
Moszna Castle (Schloss Moschen): Exploring Its Wonders and History
