Horn Castle

Homole Castle, situated on Gomoła Hill in the Lewin Hills, boasts a rich and complex history dating back to the first centuries AD. During the Middle Ages, it served as a significant point on the Amber Route and a popular trade road between Silesia and Bohemia. Built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle was used as a fortress, with its original owner being Titzko von Pannwitz. Over the following years, the castle changed hands multiple times, including ownership by members of the Poděbrady family, and witnessed turbulent times during the Hussite Wars. In 1428, the Hussites captured it and transformed it into their main stronghold in the Kłodzko region. After a series of takeovers and periods of rise and decline, the castle was seized by imperial troops in 1534, marking the end of its golden age. From the mid-16th century onward, the castle lay in ruins, and its condition continued to deteriorate. Today, the castle consists of remnants of the keep and surrounding walls that have survived to the present day. Architecturally, the castle featured a cylindrical shape, standing approximately 30 meters tall, surrounded by walls and an irregularly shaped courtyard. The castle ruins attract tourists, especially after Duszniki-Zdrój was transformed into a spa town in the 18th century, which increased interest in the site. A promenade and a gazebo were built in the area for visitors, and the castle’s history is so rich that it draws enthusiasts of history and architecture. An interesting fact is that in 1778, the future King of Prussia, Frederick William II, visited the site. Today, a hiking trail leading to Lewin Kłodzki begins near the castle, as does the Main Sudeten Trail, making it an attractive destination for hiking and nature lovers. In recent years, archaeological work has been carried out, contributing to a better understanding of the historical significance of this place.