Płakowice

Płakowice, formerly known as Plagwitz, is a village in the municipality of Lwówek Śląski, distinguished by its rich history, architecture, and unique cultural heritage. The first mentions of the village date back to 1217, when Duke Henryk Brodaty granted the town of Lwówek Śląski 50 łans of land and gold mines near Płakowice, initiating intensive extraction of this precious metal, particularly from 1180 onward. Gold was mined in Płakowice until the end of the 13th century, and traces of mining activity are now known as the mining area, with an estimated existence of around 25,000 mine shafts. Architecturally, the village abounds in monuments, including a castle from the years 1550–1560 and a complex of buildings associated with a former hospital. Natural monuments also deserve attention, such as the small cave Zimna Dziura and ancient trees—the pedunculate oak Faun and the small-leaved linden Sara. Płakowice also became a significant point on the map of Napoleonic battles, where decisive clashes took place in 1813. After World War II, the village underwent a transformation, becoming part of Lwówek Śląski, and in the 1990s, a missionary center was established in the castle. An interesting fact is that from 1953 to 1959, Płakowice became home to North Korean war orphans. The architecture and history of Płakowice, from legendary gold-bearing times to its psychiatric hospital, form a fascinating chapter in the history of Lower Silesia.