Travelling is more than just discovering new places. It’s also an opportunity to connect with the past. Pszczyna Castle offers that opportunity in every respect. The Baroque structure is located in the picturesque town of Pszczyna, near the city of Katowice. With its rich history, lavish halls and beautiful surroundings, this castle is a perfect destination. Especially for anyone who enjoys a mix of culture, nature and inspiration. We’re embarking on a journey to a place where past and present converge.

A dive into the history of Pszczyna Castle

The story of Pszczyna Castle begins in the 13th century when it was built as a simple medieval fortress. Over the centuries, it transformed into a palace of royal allure. The castle reflects the eras it has endured: Gothic foundations, Renaissance features and ultimately a Baroque style that was completed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

What makes Pszczyna Castle so special is that it’s not only an architectural gem, but also a place where major historical events have taken place. During World War I, the castle played a key role as quarters for the German army. Here, strategic decisions were made that determined the fate of Europe.

Important residents of Pszczyna Castle

Over the centuries, Pszczyna Castle has been home to influential families. In the 16th century, the castle came into the hands of the powerful Promnitz family. They turned the complex into a magnificent palace that gained international allure.

In the 19th century, the von Hochberg family took over. These aristocrats were not only wealthy but also politically influential. One of the most fascinating figures from this period is Daisy von Pless. The British aristocrat married Hans Heinrich XV of Hochberg. She brought glamour, love for art and social engagement to the castle. Daisy was admired for her beauty and her commitment to philanthropy. She lived in Pszczyna during World War I, and her personal stories make a visit to the castle extra special.

Strategic headquarters

During World War I, Pszczyna Castle became one of the most important locations in Europe. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany chose the castle as his headquarters, a strategic decision due to its central location and relative calm in the region. During this period, top-level meetings took place in the castle between the German Kaiser, his generals and diplomats.

The Oak Salon was used as a meeting room. There, important military strategies were discussed. The castle was a nerve centre of the German army. Important decisions about the Eastern Front and the future of Europe were made here. The history of this period is tangible in the salon where the conversations took place. It’s a reminder of how a place of beauty can also play a grim role in the harsh reality of war.

A look inside Pszczyna Castle

From a park-like setting, we approach the large castle garden. The view we have of the castle from here is downright beautiful. The building shines in the sunlight and stands out nicely against the blue sky and freshly mown lawn. Our expectations of a sturdy and imposing castle with towers and thick walls turn out to be incorrect. The current Pszczyna Castle appears more like a palace with a Baroque flair.

Armed with a perfect audio guide, we embark on a journey of discovery in the building. Pszczyna Castle is one of the few palaces in Europe where the interior has largely remained intact. This makes it one of Europe’s most beautiful castles to visit.

The rooms are a feast for the eyes. The extensive information from the audio tour and the accompanying texts in the museum tell us everything about the aristocratic lifestyle of the former residents. Each room is special and lavishly furnished. We can’t take in all the refined details at once. With the vivid stories and the decor, we feel transported back in time. Actually, every salon is interesting. But we’ll only highlight a few rooms from the museum.

Majestic entrance

The first thing that strikes us as soon as we enter the palace is the impressive staircase. This Baroque masterpiece is surrounded by beautiful woodcarvings, luxurious balustrades and impressive tapestries. They depict stories from Polish and European history. The soft light falling through the tall windows gives the space a warm, almost magical atmosphere. We immediately feel welcome in a world of luxury.

The mirror hall: Musical opulence

The Mirror Hall is one of the most impressive rooms in the castle. This hall, with its glittering mirrors, imposing chandeliers and rich Baroque decorations, was originally intended for concerts and social events. A special connection to music history is the German composer Georg Philipp Telemann. He performed in the Mirror Hall in the 18th century. His music resonated through this hall and made the castle a cultural centre in Europe. Even now, concerts still take place in the Mirror Hall with some regularity.

Royal bedrooms

The bedrooms of the castle are true works of art. Every detail from the gold-decorated beds to the delicate curtains and hand-painted ceilings exudes refinement. These rooms provide an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the residents. We admire the bedroom of Daisy von Pless. She spent her time here in a special mix of unparalleled luxury and simplicity.

Grand salon

The salon is a refined space where guests gathered for tea, music and conversations. Consisting of velvety soft armchairs and graceful tables, the furniture exudes classic elegance. The large windows offer a beautiful view of the castle gardens, giving the room an airy, light atmosphere. Many works of art hang on the walls. Including some oil paintings by the Dutch painter Dirck Dalens.

Oak salon

During World War I, the Oak Salon took on a very different role. This beautiful room was transformed into a command centre for the German army. Kaiser Wilhelm II and his staff discussed military strategies here. They made crucial decisions in this place that determined the fate of millions of people. A huge table in the middle stands out. On this, the commanders could unfold the large staff maps and determine their strategy. The impressive ambiance of the room offers a sharp contrast to the harsh reality of the war.

Library

An absolute highlight is the library. It’s a quiet and stately room filled with special, old books. For example, there’s a copy of the famous Weimar Bible. Martin Luther wrote this Bible, which was published in the early 18th century. You’ll find more than just books here. The beautiful cabinet cases house a special collection of porcelain figures. Special glasses to welcome guests are also on display in the library. The library reflects the intellectual interests of the families who lived here.

Hunting trophies

During our visit, one thing becomes clear: the aristocratic residents were fond of hunting. In whichever room we enter, trophies hang on the wall everywhere. The collection reflects a centuries-old tradition in which the nobility organised hunting parties as a social and sporting activity.

The corridors and rooms of the castle are adorned with numerous trophies, ranging from impressive deer antlers to rare exotic animal heads. They bear witness to the hunting activities that took place in the vast forests around Pszczyna. For example, there is an enormous set of antlers from a red deer. But we also come across a stuffed European bison.

Garden and park of Pszczyna Castle

After having wandered around Pszczyna Castle in admiration for over two hours, we leave the building. Now it’s time to explore the vast park surrounding the castle. It turns out to be an ideal place for a relaxing walk or even to sail on a boat in the large pond. We don’t do that, but it’s certainly a romantic setting for a rowing trip.

We stroll along winding paths, enjoying the shade under the ancient trees. The park also contains a special zoo. Here, there is a collection of impressive European bison and grazing deer. Unfortunately, we only see three bison rummaging around at a feeding spot. However, various deer are walking around. To be honest, we find the zoo a bit disappointing. After about fifteen minutes, we’ve seen it all.

Medieval town of Pszczyna

What we find much more appealing is the town of Pszczyna. The town originated in the Middle Ages and grew into an important trading centre. Over the centuries, Pszczyna was ruled by various noble families. They left their mark on the appearance of the town.

From Pszczyna Castle, we are just a few steps away from the historic market square. This is the lively centre and heart of the town. Around the square, we find colourful buildings, nice shops and cosy cafés. The eye-catcher is the beautiful Town Hall, built in the 17th century.

The town turns out to be a nice stopover for many cyclists. We hear that there are many beautiful cycling routes around Pszczyna. They lead through picturesque forests and a rolling landscape. A cyclist tells us that he made a beautiful trip from Katowice. Immediately after leaving the city, he cycled into nature. Through the forests, he reached this lovely town after about 45 kilometres. Time for a well-deserved coffee break!

Having become hungry, we visit the restaurant Międzywojenna. It is located in a historic building on the market square. This building dates from the period between the two world wars, hence the name Międzywojenna (between the wars). The interior is carefully decorated in the style of that time. We feel like we’ve gone back 100 years. Also because of the atmospheric jazz music from that time that we hear in the background. The menu is an ode to Polish cuisine. We thoroughly enjoy the local dishes.

Pszczyna Castle, highlight of the town

Pszczyna Castle is not just any castle. It’s a place where history, culture and nature come together. Whether you’re wandering through the lavish halls, reflecting on the historical events of World War I or enjoying the tranquillity in the castle garden, there’s always something to inspire you. We haven’t often seen such a beautifully decorated castle. And we don’t mind that it doesn’t look like a castle, but more like a lavish palace. So if you’re visiting Katowice or South Silesia in Poland, you certainly shouldn’t miss Pszczyna Castle. Because although the name is a real tongue-twister, this palace forms one of the highlights in the region.

We visited Pszczyna Castle at the invitation of the Katowice tourism office. We have independently and objectively compiled the content of this blog based on our own impressions.

Other topics you may be interested in

• Travel destination Poland
• Culture and history in Katowice
• City trip to the Polish capital Warsaw
• The fascinating and charming city of Kraków
• Auschwitz, a black page in the history of Poland