The palace in Kamień Śląski is a treat not only for history lovers

There's a palace in Kamień Śląski whose walls remember the cries of St. Jacek, the faces of sad orphans, and the brutal Soviets. Built in the early 12th century, and although history has left its mark on it with dark events, today it once again delights and inspires admiration. This mysterious structure is the Odrowąż Palace. For another adventure, simply set off from the Zamkowy Młyn hotel on a mere 16-minute journey. So, let's get started!

The knightly castle of Odrowąż and the birth of a prodigy

The current palace in Kamień Śląski dates back to 1104. That's no mistake! This history began shortly after Mieszko I was baptized. The history of the palace itself was accompanied by the arrival of the Odrowąż family in Poland, who built a knightly stronghold there. It was into this family, according to local legend, that Jacek, a miraculous child, was born in 1183. Throughout his life, he was a symbol of humility and love. Jacek Odrowąż was a missionary and a member of the Dominican Order. The memory of the miracles he is said to have performed during his lifetime is cherished to this day. 337 years after his death, Jacek Odrowąż was declared a saint.

St. Jacek's Sanctuary with an atmospheric chapel

The Strzała, Larisch, and Strachwitz families also nurtured the development of this atmospheric estate in Kamień Śląski, steeped in historical events. It was during their reign that the enormous buildings, spread over thousands of hectares of land in what is now the Opole region, took on the form and function of a local palace. The first-floor chamber in the tower, where St. Jacek was supposedly born, was converted by the von Larisch family into a small chapel. The resulting sanctuary became a place of religious worship, frequently visited by tourists.

Orphaned children within the walls of a huge palace

During World War II, the estate retained its appeal. However, the palace was partially looted by the Soviets. It was later converted into an orphanage. On the orders of Soviet commanders, one dark night, two vans transported the terrified children to nearby facilities in Silesia. Soviet soldiers then took up residence within the walls of the historic estate.

At the time, the palace was home to an airport with the longest runway in Europe. The Soviets held sway there for 12 years. They treated its cultural heritage with disrespect, and finally, without scruples, they completely destroyed the palace's interior. They doused what remained with flammable liquid and burned it! And in this brutal manner, no trace of the breathtaking palace remained. The charred ruins were in such a terrible state that no one wanted to buy the property, and the desolate walls haunted local residents for a long time...

The Palace in Kamień Śląski with a "happy ending"

Fortunately, people changed the course of this story, and Kamień Śląski finally achieved a nearly cinematic "happy ending." When the building came under the care of the Opole Diocese, around 1989, renovation work began. In 1994, the restored palace resumed its function as the Sanctuary of St. Jacek, a name it continues to enjoy to this day. The Faculty of Theology of the University of Opole is housed in the buildings next door. Thanks to the efforts of the then administrators and the enormous financial outlay, the palace's interior has been restored to its former glory.

Breathtaking ballroom

The Odrowąż Palace in Kamień Śląski is nestled in the center of a beautiful landscaped park, just behind an atmospheric pond with fountains. The estate continues to delight visitors. The walls of the vast, two-story hall are adorned with handmade tapestries featuring the coats of arms of the previous owners. The abundant vegetation also adds a cozy touch to the interior. The ballroom is particularly noteworthy. In our opinion, it's the most beautiful room in the entire palace. We'd love to hear your opinion!

The atmospheric chapel of St. Jacek Odrowąż

The tower, once again restored, houses St. Hyacinth's Chapel. This atmospheric space encourages reflection and prayer, instilling a nostalgic atmosphere in visitors. Remember, you can access the chapel through a separate entrance. You don't have to visit the palace interior to do so—a significant convenience during this historical journey through time.

Kamień Śląski Palace is bustling with life again!

The contemporary Kamień Śląski Palace is a venue for numerous conferences, retreats, and even weddings. The lush green spaces of the beautifully landscaped park encourage meditation and recovery for weary tourists and residents of the surrounding area. It's worth noting the bells that ring throughout the park, not only during religious gatherings. During a visit to this magical place, you'll see for yourself its immense historical value. The palace in Kamień Śląski is worth a visit with the whole family or a group of friends. Walking through the paths of the old farmstead, the rustle of the enormous trees, which have seen more than one story, always puts us in a unique mood. We're curious to see if you'll have a similar experience...

Without a doubt, the palace in Kamień Śląski is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the Opole region. A visit to this unique complex can be combined with a visit to St. Anne's Mountain and a treat for motoring enthusiasts – Silesia Ring. All attractions are located close to each other, so you can plan an interesting trip with a lunch break at our Krapkowice restaurant. hotel Castle MillOur chefs will make sure you don't run out of energy during your afternoon travels!

Travel time from the Zamkowy Młyn Hotel: 16 minutes
Approximate visiting time: 80 minutes
Paid admission: Yes
Attraction for families with children: Yes