Klodzko - PKS - Buses and Buses - Transportation - Attractions Sightseeing and Monuments

Klodzko is a town in the Lower Silesian province, located in the northeastern part of the Klodzka Basin at the foot of the Bardzkie Mountains. Its location on the Polish-Czech border significantly influenced its history, in addition, one of the branches of the amber route passed through the town, as evidenced by Roman coins found in the area.

For the first time one can read about Klodzko as early as in records from 981, where its Latin name "castellum Kladsko" is mentioned, derived from the wood raw material widely used in construction at the time. The oldest part of the city is located on the left bank of the Kladsko Neisse River on an almost 20-meter-high terrace at the foot of Fortress Mountain (this makes the difference in elevation between the river and the Fortress about 60 meters). Thanks to these differences in levels and the development of Klodzko under the terrain, the city has preserved to this day the complete original medieval urban layout.

Klodzko - attractions worth knowing

The city is picturesquely located, and there are many places of tourist interest in its vicinity. We, however, will focus on Klodzko itself, where you can see several interesting attractions and historical sites.

Klodzko Fortress

This structure, visible from afar and towering over the city, is the city's biggest tourist attraction. It is a unique place, inextricably linked to the turbulent history of Klodzko. The first wooden fortifications were built here as early as the 10th century, and it was then, in 981, that Klodzko was first mentioned. Later, the castle was transformed into a residential residence. In the 17th century the town was captured by the Austrians and later by the Prussians who, gradually gave the castle object a defensive character again. The building owes its present shape to designer Gerhard Cornelius de Walrawe, who designed the modern fortress in the mid-18th century on behalf of King Frederick II.

The part that is open to the public is the upper tour and the underground countermine walkways. In addition, the fortress offers an impressive view of the city and, in good weather, the surrounding mountains.

Market Square

The Market Square, or Boleslaw Chrobry Square, has a roughly rectangular shape and is distinguished by its considerable slope. It was established between 1253 and 1274, after Klodzko was founded under German law. It features a late Baroque Marian column from 1680, a pillory and a city well with a fountain. The Market Square is dominated by a neo-Renaissance historic town hall from 1890, from which the bugle call is played every day at noon. The first town hall was probably erected in the 14th century, but it was consumed by fire in the second half of the century and had to be rebuilt anew. Over the years its appearance changed significantly, it was consumed by successive fires, which makes it stand out with a rather uneven image. In addition to it, it is worth noting other historic tenements, often decorated with animal motifs, one of which has housed a pharmacy for over 400 years.

St. John's Bridge over the Mlynowka River (Gothic Bridge over the Mlynowka River)

Despite its small size, it has been compared to the Charles Bridge in Prague. This bridge connects Sand Island with the historic center of Klodzko and probably dates back to the second half of the 14th century. It has been rebuilt and reinforced many times over the centuries. It has four spans and is supported by three pillars, and its edges are decorated with stone statues of Christ, the Holy Trinity, Mary and saints, including the bridge's patron saint, St. John Nepomucen.

Underground Tourist Route

Once the cellars under the buildings of the Old Town, it can now be described as an underground museum presenting the history of the region. The sidewalks were dug as early as the 13th century as warehouses for storing wine and food or as an emergency shelter from possible invaders. The route, which has been open to the public since 1976, is about 600 meters long and leads from Zawiszy Czarnego Street under Church Square to the exit near Grodzisko Street. During the underground walk, visitors have the opportunity to walk along a series of corridors, ramps and sizable chambers, where there are historical expositions with, among other things, a bread oven or torture tools.

Minieuroland Miniature Park

In this park you can see miniature buildings of famous European, world and well-known buildings from the Klodzko Land. Thus, next to the Statue of Liberty in New York, you can see Klodzko Fortress, and right behind the Roman Di Trevi fountain you can see the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wambierzyce or a faithful copy of the Klodzko scrap metal depot. In addition to miniatures, the park is decorated with real trees, bushes and flowers from all over the world.