Niemodlin Castle – the pearl of Opole architecture at your fingertips

Princely Castle of Niemodlin It's one of the most important attractions in the Opole region. After numerous disruptions over the centuries, the place has regained its former glory, attracting tourists from across the country with its history, architecture, interior design, gardens, and… numerous legends. Niemodlin Castle is undoubtedly a must-see on the region's tourist map.

The Niemodlin Princely Castle is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Opole Voivodeship. This late Renaissance building with Gothic and Baroque elements is located in Niemodlin – one of the oldest towns in the region. The impressive castle, once a princely residence, is situated in an exceptionally picturesque setting. just 29 minutes by car from Castle Mill! By choosing our hotel, Krapkowice will be an excellent base for visiting the greatest tourist attractions of the Opole region.

Niemodlin Castle and its turbulent history

Niemodlin Castle and its history span over 700 years, during which both its owners and its condition changed. Let's start from the beginning, however, in 1313, for it was then that, by order of Duke Bolesław, a brick, Gothic castle was built. Almost until the mid-16th century, the residence was owned by the Silesian Piast princes. During this time, the castle was first destroyed by the Hussites and then severely damaged by fire. Further destruction was brought by the Thirty Years' War. In the meantime, the castle was rebuilt by successive German families to which it belonged. As a result, at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, it acquired a Renaissance character, while in the 18th century, it was renovated in the Baroque style, with altered interior design. Until the end of World War II, the castle was owned by Count Friedrich Leopold von Praschma.

The difficult post-war years and the return to former glory

After the end of World War II, the castle housed institutions such as a repatriation office, a secondary school, and later a non-commissioned officer training school. Afterward, it remained abandoned for many years, a fact that left a mark on its appearance. It wasn't until 1990 that a private investor purchased the building, but it regained its true splendor in 2015 when the Łódź-based company Centrum took over, carried out the necessary renovations, and opened the castle to the public. Thanks to these efforts, the Niemodlin Princely Castle has become not only a major tourist attraction in the Opole region but also a popular destination for tourists from across Poland and abroad.

An architectural gem in the region

As with any building of such age, the Ducal Castle in Niemodlin has changed its appearance over the centuries, undergoing destruction and reconstruction attempts. Originally, Niemodlin Castle was a four-winged Renaissance residence set in a rectangular courtyard with arcades. In the 18th century, the castle's exterior represented Renaissance architecture, while the interior was decorated in the Baroque style. In the 19th century, the cloisters were bricked up, and the chapel was completely rebuilt. Today, when visiting the castle, you can admire its three wings, the cloisters surrounding the courtyard, and the tall tower with a gateway at the front.

Niemodlin Castle – sightseeing and the most interesting attractions

If you've chosen Niemodlin Castle for an afternoon with your family, exploring this place will be a real pleasure. Everyone who's been there probably agrees that its biggest attraction is the imitation Amber Room, created due to its proximity to the Amber Road. For those with a strong stomach, we recommend visiting the Torture Chamber, where you can see how and with what tools enemies were dealt with in the (fortunately bygone) medieval times. Other interesting places to visit include the castle's crypts, ballroom, and chapel. Work is currently underway on the opening of another attraction: the Museum of Icons and Armoury.

Visiting the courtyard of the Ducal Castle in Niemodlin and the castle garden is open to all tourists, while guided tours of the interior are subject to a fee.

White Lady and debauched monks…

Where there's a castle, there are legends! The guide at Niemodlin Castle diversifies the tour with stories heard years ago, the veracity of which you'll have to judge for yourself. According to one old legend, during a wedding, the bride ran out of the ballroom during the unveiling ceremony, only to be found the next day in an empty coffin. She tried to hide there from the groom, but the coffin lid slammed shut, suffocating the bride. Her ghost supposedly wanders the castle to this day, desperately searching for her newlywed husband.

Another legend tells of six monks who, in the absence of men summoned to the battlefield, were tasked with caring for the women left behind. The monks' care proved so zealous that, caught red-handed, they were thrown from the castle's highest window on the orders of the castle's lord.

There is no shortage of attractions in the area!

Visiting Niemodlin Castle is a fantastic way to spend time with family or friends, but the surrounding area is also worth mentioning. Just 3 km away is Arboretum in Lipin, a dendrological park where you can admire tree species from all over the world! In turn, 18 km from the Niemodlin Castle, you can visit Opole Village Museum to travel back in time again.

Travel time from the Zamkowy Młyn Hotel: 29 minutes
Approximate visiting time: 90 minutes
Paid admission: Yes (to the interior of the castle)
Attraction for families with children: Yes