Szlaki województw śląskiego i opolskiego

The Castle in Strzelce Opolskieis a former seat of the Opole Piasts. The masonry castle was created between the 13th and 14th centuries on the site of a wooden structure, simultaneously becoming part of the stronghold's fortifications. In the 14th century, under the rule of Duke Albert, son of Duke Bolesław I, the castle was the seat of the dukes of the Duchy of Strzelce. The Duke organized so-called court days at the castle, to which he invited knights and burghers. After the death of Jan Dobry, the last Opole ruler in 1532, the castle along with the duchy passed into the borders of Bohemia, and was subsequently handed over to Hungarian and Austrian magnates. In the second half of the 16th century, the Hohenzollern family commissioned the reconstruction of the stronghold into a palace in the Renaissance style. In 1945, the edifice was burned by Soviet troops. To this day – besides the tower – fragments of buildings with cross-vaulted halls and remnants of the Renaissance facade have been preserved. In the vicinity of the castle, there is a historic park with walking paths, old trees, and a playground. Practical information: Unguarded, free parking on Parkowa Street.