Cieszyn, a picturesque town located on the Polish-Czech border, is truly a Pearl of Silesia that attracts tourists with its unique history and charm.
Cieszyn is a place with a rich history, visible at every turn. The town has been part of many states, which resulted in cultural and architectural diversity. The residents of Cieszyn proudly preserve their traditions and maintain their local identity.
Cieszyn is an excellent destination for active leisure. The scenic areas around the town invite visitors for hiking and cycling trips. In winter, nearby ski slopes offer opportunities for skiing.
The Gothic-Renaissance Stronghold
The Gothic-Renaissance stronghold was built on the site of an earlier Gołęszyce and castellan settlement on Cieszyn’s Castle Hill — the seat of the Piast dynasty of Cieszyn.
In 1659, the castle buildings were dismantled and replaced with a brewery. By the mid-19th century, little remained except the Piast Tower and the rotunda. A park was established in their place.
St. Nicholas Rotunda in Cieszyn
The St. Nicholas Rotunda is one of the oldest sacred buildings in Poland. Its history dates back to the 11th century, and the structure features the characteristic form of a rotunda — a round or polygonal building type popular in pre-Romanesque and Romanesque sacred architecture.
The rotunda was built in the Romanesque style as a central-plan building with a dome supported on a tall drum. Its architecture is reminiscent of similar European structures, such as the rotunda in Aachen, Germany.
Piast Tower in Cieszyn
Built in the first half of the 14th century, the Piast Tower was part of the upper castle and, as one of four towers, served as an element of the defensive system of Cieszyn Castle during the Piast era.
It was extended in the second half of the 14th century and decorated with corner heraldic shields featuring the Piast eagle.
Katowice
Katowice, a dynamic and versatile city located in the heart of Silesia, impresses with its contrasts, culture, and grandeur. Discover the attractions that draw tourists as well as the rich cultural heritage this extraordinary place offers.