Schloss Neudeck

Świerklaniec Castle, also known as Schloss Neudeck, is a historic architectural monument located in the town of Świerklaniec in the Tarnowskie Góry district, currently in a state of ruin. Presumably built in the 14th century by the Piasts, it was constructed on an island surrounded by water, featuring an oval layout and an inner courtyard. The castle underwent Baroque-style renovations in the 17th century and Neo-Gothic transformations in the 19th century, when residential wings and decorative towers were added. The history of the castle is exceptionally rich; in the Middle Ages, it served as the seat of the Bytom Piasts and later passed into the hands of the Oleśnica Piasts. In 1477, the castle was pledged to the nobleman Jan the Elder of Žerotín and subsequently to Duke Jan II the Good of Opole. In the 16th century, it was handed over to the Hohenzollern margraves and then passed to the Henckel von Donnersmarck family, who rebuilt it in the Baroque style. After World War II, the castle was significantly damaged, and in 1962, its ruins were demolished by decision of the local authorities. Although in ruins, the castle remains an important site for researchers and history enthusiasts, despite the loss of many valuable architectural elements. It is worth mentioning that archaeological excavations were conducted here in the 1950s and 1960s, underscoring its historical significance. The castle was listed in the register of historical monuments in 1957, and its destruction sparked outrage among the local community. This site also serves as a fascinating example of architectural investments and the influence of various styles across different eras, reflecting the changing tastes and needs of the region's inhabitants. Numerous documents and studies about the castle and its history have been published, and the castle itself is often discussed in the context of Silesia's cultural heritage.