Goluchów Castle

Gołuchów, Poland

The history of the Gołuchów castle goes back to the Middle Ages and its first known owner was ¯egota of Gołuchów  (1263-1282). A defensive fort stood here in the first half of the 15th century, probably where the castle stands today. The terrain definitely provides for adequate defence. It overlooks the Trzemsza River from the west and is surrounded by a moat and a secure embankment.

The Gołuchów estates became the property of the Leszczyñski family in 1507. The work on the residence, which had progressed in stages from the early 16th century, was completed between 1600 and 1628. This was now one of the most magnificent renaissance castles in Poland. A graphic recreation of its appearance back then was made possible by 18th-century surveys and inventory measurements from 1850.

The castle consisted of a tower house with four octagonal towers in the corners, closing the premises from the north. The basement and three keeps (reconstructed during the 19th century) have been preserved. It may have been erected prior to 1507. There used to be another building on the southern side. The two wings, which centred around a small interior courtyard with an arcaded cloister, were joined by built-on porches. The sandstone door frames, main entrance portal and marble and stone chimney housings have survived from those days. There are accounts of richly carved doors, decorated floors and polychromed and carved ceilings.

The estate changed hands frequently from the end of the 17th century until the middle of the 19th. Jan Działyński, son of the owner of Kórnik, purchased Gołuchów in 1853 and set about improving the economy of Gołuchów and beautifying the park in front of the castle. Only necessary repairs were made to the residence itself.

The plans to restore the castle were worked out by the leading French architect and conservator Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. Work began on the castle in 1876 and continued for 10 years.

The castle has been part of the National Museum in Poznañ since 1952. The expansive 150 ha park, together with the remaining buildings, was acquired by the State Forests National Forest Holding, which opened a Forest Culture Centre here in 1974. The entire complex is now open to the public.

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Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Poland

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

A A (5 months ago)
Really beautiful collection of art. Lovely paintings and furniture. It is a pleasure to explore every room. Extended grounds give you the opportunity to stay outdoors and walk or admire icons like bison or polish pony. Tuesdays are with free entry (correct in August 2024)
Olga Minchukova (6 months ago)
A beautiful place for a visit. Tickets are 20zl for adults and 1 zł for kids. Park is very pretty but don't waste your time on visiting bisons. They are far away, barely visible and not worth the hike.
Javier Martinez (8 months ago)
If you are looking for a place to breathe fresh air, this is the ideal place. For nature lovers, a very beautiful place with many different species of trees and animals. I couldn't enter the castle because of the endless line of people.
Veetosh (15 months ago)
I have loved this park since I was a kid. Great place to rest. Castle is now under renovation, but it's still worth checking it out. Looks impressive from the outside and you have nice views from the castle at the park. There's also a restaurant nearby with decent food and drinks. You can also place a blanket anywhere and enjoy the nature.
Louati Aymen (16 months ago)
Goluchow Castle in Poland Gołuchów Castle is a real gem in Poland that you must visit. The castle and park complex in Goluchow is today considered the most beautiful in Poland. Around 1560, the defense yard was built by Duke Rafał Leszczyński. Then his son Wacław turned the building into a magnate's residence. The most significant events in the history of the castle took place in the 19th century. In 1853 Tytus Dzialynski (owner of the castle in Kornik) bought the castle for his only son Jan. Not long after, Jan Działyński married Izabella, daughter of Prince Adam Czartoryski, leader of the Hotel Lambert faction. Izabella transformed the residence into a chateau in the style of the French Renaissance (a wealth of details). She brought artists from there: architects, sculptors and painters.
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