Palace in Tworków

The palace in Tworków, built on the site of a medieval Gothic stronghold, is today a permanent ruin. Entered in the heritage register, it has belonged since 2004 to the Krzyżanowice municipality. The tower and fragments of the wings are best preserved, and next to it stretches the former park.

The history of the families and extensions

In 1557 the estate was bought by Kasper Wiskota von Wodnik, and in 1567 he began (or completed) the construction of a palace as the family residence. Two additional wings were added around 1600 or before 1666. In 1621-1637 the Lichnowskis extended and modernised the interiors. In 1637 the estate was bought by Wilhelm Boreck, in 1714 by Baron von Trach, and in 1772 by the Eichendorff family, for 130 thousand guilders. The last permanent residents from 1841 were the von Saurma-Jeltsch family.

Rebuilding, fires and ruin

In 1872-1874 the palace was thoroughly rebuilt in the neo-Renaissance style under the direction of Carl Heydenreich. A square tower was added by the east wing, and the west tower received neo-Gothic decoration. In 1931 almost the whole building was destroyed by a fire that was suspected to be arson, and the insurance company refused to pay compensation. In 1945 the palace burned again, losing about 90 per cent of its fabric. In the heritage register the site has entries from 1964, 1998 and 2024. The heritage register describes it as a 16th-century brick castle in the Renaissance style.

The park and surroundings

The English-style park was laid out by the Eichendorffs around 1772, and the ponds were enlarged at the same time. In the same village, about 600 metres away, stands the Historic Mill in Tworków, and in Krzyżanowice the Palace in Krzyżanowice.

Practical information

• Location: Tworków, ulica Parkowa, Krzyżanowice municipality.
• This is a ruin, so keep to the outside and to marked paths. Access hours and rules for visiting are given by the Krzyżanowice municipality, so check them before your visit.