Historic sites
a neo-Baroque red-brick guest house of the Donnersmarcks in the park in Świerklaniec
Lakes
reservoir on the Brynica from 1939, today a water intake and a refuge for waterbirds
Churches and monasteries
brick parish church from 1994, replacing a wooden church from 1929
Historic sites
artificial ruins of a neo-Gothic structure of the Donnersmarck family, with a surviving tower
Churches and monasteries
Neo-Gothic palace church and family mausoleum of the Donnersmarcks, designed by Raschdorff
Solo in Świerklaniec means Kawaler's Palace, two churches, Kozłowa Góra reservoir and artificial ruins in Orzech: places for a calm walk in a park and by water.
Most of the places are linked to the Donnersmarck family and their park. Going alone, you can visit them in whatever order you choose, without haste and without a group.
In the park see Kawaler's Palace at Parkowa 30 and the Church of the Good Shepherd with the mausoleum at number 38a. These are the two key stops on the route, and both are tied to the residence of its former owners.
Kawaler's Palace, also called the Bachelor's House, is a neo-Baroque red-brick residence from 1903-1906. It was built to house guests of the Henckel von Donnersmarck family and now counts among the best surviving buildings of the former residence. The story of the whole seat, known as Little Versailles, is told in a text on the palace in Świerklaniec.
The Church of the Good Shepherd was funded by Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck in 1896-1897 as the palace church. The neo-Gothic building is in the park's northern part, and the mausoleum joined to it by a cloister closes the complex. It now serves as a filial church of a Catholic parish.
Kozłowa Góra, also called the Świerklaniec Reservoir, is a shallow dam reservoir on the Brynica from 1935-1939. Its main job is feeding the Upper Silesian conurbation with water, and birds find a refuge here. Entry is free, and the lake lies on the northern edge of the conurbation.
The Romantic ruins in Orzech stand in a wood right by the border with Świerklaniec. They are a nineteenth-century imitation of a medieval castle and never were a real one. Mainly one tall tower and low remains of walls survive. The founder was Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck.
In the centre there is also the Church of Christ the King on Kościelna street. The present brick building was put up in 1989-1994 where a wooden church from 1929 once stood; its bell tower remains.
In the park on Parkowa street, where Kawaler's Palace and the Church of the Good Shepherd with the mausoleum stand. The other places can be added separately.
No. The ruins are a nineteenth-century ornamental imitation of a medieval fortress, and mostly a tall tower is what remains.
Not very. The dam reservoir was built on the Brynica between 1935 and 1939; it supplies water to the region and shelters birds.
For more ideas for people travelling alone see solo attractions; other places in the municipality are listed under Świerklaniec.
