CASTLE OF THE SILESIAN PIASTS IN BRZEG

The Castle of the Silesian Piasts in Brzeg, called the "Silesian Wawel", is a real gem on the map of the Opole region. It is not without reason that it was selected as one of the 7 new wonders of Poland in the National Geographic Traveler plebiscite in 2013.

Monumental, exceptionally imposing, with centuries-old history and, what is enormously important -

open to the public. The Gothic residential-defensive building was erected in the 13th century, and given a Renaissance character in the 16th century. Until the 17th century, the castle was the seat of the Duchy of Brzeg, after which it was falling into disrepair for many years. In the inter-war period, a City Museum was opened here. After World War II, it was in need of a thorough renovation which it underwent between 1966 and 1990. It houses the Museum of the Silesian Piasts which delights many tourists with its numerous and interesting collections. In 2018, the castle was listed as a Historic Monument by the President of Poland. Visiting the museum in every season is a good way of discovering lots of stories, and the atmosphere of the castle's interiors sparks the visitors' imagination, taking them right back to the times of Piast princes and princesses. It is worth visiting the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross situated nearby, with its incredible illusionistic vault frescoes by the Silesian painter Johann Kuben (1697-1770), one of the preeminent Silesian fresco painters.