Rogowiec Castle

Rogowiec Castle, located in the northern part of the Góry Suche (Sudety Mountains) in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, is a medieval fortress dating back to the late 13th century, built on a steep hill reaching 870 meters above sea level. Originally constructed as a wooden stronghold by Bolesław the Tall in the 12th century, the stone castle was commissioned by Duke Bolko I in the 1290s. Architecturally, the castle was characterized by irregular shapes adapted to the terrain, consisting of an upper castle, a lower castle, and a courtyard. It was fortified with defensive walls made of quarried stone and featured a tower and residential buildings. The castle served various roles—from a border fortification to a den of knight-robbers, and later as a recruitment site during the Hussite Wars. In the 15th century, it guarded trade routes and became a focal point of local conflicts. The castle was frequently mentioned in historical documents, and its burgrave, Mikołaj Bolcze, contributed to its prosperity in the 14th century. Unfortunately, after years of destruction, including looting by the Hussites and occupation by knights, the castle was ruined by the forces of Matthias Corvinus in 1482 and has remained in ruins ever since. Today, the castle is not only a site of archaeological research conducted by students of the University of Wrocław but also a tourist attraction, offering stunning panoramic views of the Sowie and Wałbrzyskie Mountains. Rogowiec is the highest-elevation castle in Poland, adding to its unique character. Hiking trails, such as the Main Sudeten Trail, pass through the area, attracting tourists interested in history, architecture, and nature.