Zamek Książ

Wałbrzych, Poland, Poland

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Zamek Książ in Wałbrzych, Poland, is the third-largest castle in the country and one of Europe's largest, perched dramatically on a sandstone cliff in the Książ Landscape Park overlooking the Pełcznica River gorge.

Constructed around 1288-1291 by Duke Bolko I of Świdnica replacing an earlier wooden stronghold, the Gothic fortress evolved through centuries of expansions by the Hochberg family, including Renaissance redesigns in 1548-1555 under Konrad II, a Baroque wing by Konrad Ernest Maximilian from 1705-1732 with grand halls like the Maximilian and Konrad Halls, and a massive 1908-1923 neorenesansowa southwestern addition by Prince Jan Henryk XV featuring cylindrical towers, a 47-meter main tower with a bulbous dome, terraces, and fountains.

Passed through Piasts, Hungarians under Matthias Corvinus, and Prussian nobility until postwar nationalization, it now serves as a museum with opulent interiors, underground WWII tunnels from Project Riese, and panoramic gardens drawing visitors to its blend of Gothic origins and lavish later styles.