Sobieski Castle in Oława

The Castle in Oława has stood on Plac Zamkowy since the late 14th century, although today's shape is the result of successive Renaissance and Baroque rebuildings. After a turbulent history, the building now serves an administrative function: it houses the Town Hall.

From a hunting lodge to a Renaissance residence

The current castle was built on the site of an earlier Gothic hunting lodge of Duke Louis I from the late 14th century. Construction in the Renaissance style was begun in 1541 by master builder Jakub of Milan, probably the same person as the builder of Bolków Castle. From 1588 the work was continued by another Italian architect, Bernardo Niuron.

Extensions under the Sobieskis and the Baroque wings

In the second half of the 17th century, building work was carried out by Carlo Rossi, who erected, among other parts, the wing named after Duke Christian (1618-1672), the Christianbau, and after his death a further part was added by his widow, Duchess Louise of Anhalt - hence the name Luisenbau. Under the rule of Jakub Sobieski, the castle received new interior furnishings and had a prestigious character at the time. After the prince left Oława in 1734, the building began to decline.

Barracks, a cigar factory and a school

In Prussian times, an infirmary and a bakery were set up in the castle. The most damaged building, Christian's wing, was demolished, and in its place a Catholic church was built in 1833-1835. The church in the north wing was converted into a brewery, the east wing was turned into barracks, later adapted into a cigar factory, and a school was set up in Louise's building. The church tower, the last remaining fragment of the north range, collapsed in the late 1970s.

Today's seat of the town authorities

During the Second World War, Louise's building suffered the most damage. It was rebuilt in the early 1960s to serve as the seat of the county, and today it houses Oława's Town Hall - this is also confirmed by the official website of the town of Oława. The castle is listed on the register of immovable heritage monuments.

Practical information

• Address: Plac Zamkowy 15, Oława
• The building serves as the seat of the Town Hall, so it is worth checking access to the interiors and the rules for visitors directly with the town office before your visit
• The castle is built of brick and is listed on the heritage register as a building in the Baroque style