Świecie Castle

Świecie Castle, also known as Sword Castle, is a historic structure with an irregular oval shape, measuring approximately 27 meters in length and 11 meters in width. It is situated on a basalt hill in Lower Silesia. The castle's architecture originally included a tower, a residential building in the northwestern section, a chapel, and a courtyard, all surrounded by a perimeter defensive wall with a gate on the western side and a moat. After a fire in the 18th century, the eastern part of the castle was transformed into a Baroque palace. The history of the castle dates back to the 14th century when it was built on the order of Duke Bernard to protect trade routes leading from Lusatia to Lubań and Jelenia Góra. Located in the Kwisa District, it was first mentioned in 1329 as *castrum Sweta*. After losing its military significance and the incorporation of Upper Lusatia into the Bohemian Crown, the castle passed into the hands of the von Üchtritz family. Following a fire in 1527, the castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Further renovations took place after damage in the 18th century and in 1827, when the castle burned down and began to fall into ruin. Until the 20th century, it was partially used as an inn. Today, visitors can explore the castle by purchasing a ticket. Interestingly, reconstruction work has been carried out in recent years, and in 2019 the castle saw its walls rebuilt. Świecie Castle is a significant part of Lower Silesia's cultural heritage, combining architectural, historical, and cultural elements.