Ruda Śląska Castle

Ruda Śląska Castle, known as Zamek Rudzki, is a medieval structure likely built at the end of the 14th century by the Rudzki family. The castle has a rich history, with the first mentions of its owners dating back to 1401. In 1497, the castle was also referenced in documents. By 1543, the property came into the possession of Jan Gierałtowski, who was also known for owning Chudów Castle. Unfortunately, during the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century, the castle suffered severe damage, and records from 1665 indicate that it was already in ruins. In the following years, reconstruction began, transforming the castle into a small palace with an operational chapel by 1754. During the 19th century, the palace was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style, which helped preserve this historic architecture until World War II. After the war, the castle was burned down by Soviet Red Army soldiers and subsequently fell into complete ruin. The area remained overgrown with vegetation for many years, and the surviving fragments of the walls, which are up to 3 meters thick, highlight the medieval origins of the structure. For a long time, no archaeological research was conducted, making it difficult to accurately determine the castle’s original appearance. In December 2009, the castle and the nearby Karol Godula House were acquired by the Chudów Castle Foundation, which plans to renovate the site and open it to visitors. The foundation also aims to organize recurring events, starting with archaeological work to uncover the history and structure of the castle. Legends surround the castle, including one linking it to the Knights Templar, which continues to capture the interest of both locals and tourists.