A bell dating from 1318 that is still in use, a wooden UNESCO-listed Peace Church and historic railway vehicles give Świdnica County a distinctive blend of religious history, architecture and technology. The county lies at the foot of the Owl and Wałbrzych Mountains; its towns tell very different stories.
Churches and urban history
In Świdnica, the Peace Church is a striking place to start: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered Europe's largest wooden Baroque Protestant church. It was built after the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) under an imperial privilege. Its timber construction, Baroque style and history give a visit a clear historical focus.
A different scale awaits in Strzegom. The Basilica Minor of St Peter and Paul is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Lower Silesia. Its bell tower houses Poland's oldest bell still in use, dating from 1318. In Świdnica, the town's history is also evident around the market square, which is lined with townhouses whose origins date back to the Renaissance. The cathedral adds to this picture with its Gothic-Baroque interior; its tower is considered the tallest church tower in Lower Silesia.
History in two places
Krzyżowa represents two distinct historical chapters. During the Second World War, it was a site of early resistance to Nazism. On 12 November 1989, the Mass of Reconciliation led to the founding of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe and the start of restoration work on the palace complex and the other buildings.
In Rogoźnica, the Gross-Rosen Museum offers visits to the former camp site and the historic quarries where prisoners were forced to work. Visitors can see both the former camp grounds and the quarries shaped by the prisoners' forced labour.
Railways and collections
The Railway Museum in Jaworzyna Śląska brings its scale to life: its outdoor grounds cover more than 2.5 hectares, and over 150 historic rail vehicles are displayed on three kilometres of track. Operational historic vehicles include Poland's oldest active diesel locomotive. The museum also runs trips with historic rolling stock every weekend. As schedules may change, check the current timetable before your visit.
The Museum of Arms and Military Equipment in Witoszów Dolny also offers a glimpse of an extensive collection: it comprises more than 1,000 military objects, including around 150 firearms, machine guns and anti-tank weapons. The scale of the collection makes this a destination in its own right for visitors interested in military history and historic equipment.
Wine and cycling routes
Winnica Świdnicka welcomes individual visitors from May to October and holds tastings at the vineyard. Options include wine-only tastings and tastings with wine and cheese. Advance arrangements by phone or email are required.
Those wishing to explore by bike will find a variety of cycling routes in Świdnica County. Routes on the Świdnica Plain and in the Strzegom Hills are recommended for families with children. The international R9 Adriatic–Baltic cycling route also passes through the county. Before setting off, check the conditions on your chosen route, as trail conditions and signage may change.
In the wider destination of Lower Silesia
Beyond Świdnica County, Lower Silesia also offers a chance to explore the Peace Churches in Jawor and Świdnica together. Both were built in the mid-17th century under the terms of the Peace of Westphalia and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. Together, they are Europe's largest half-timbered Baroque churches. This regional connection complements the history of Świdnica's Peace Church with a look at its counterpart in Jawor.
Discover more destinations: Lubachow, Jugowa, Świdnica, Bystrzyca Górna, Świebodzice, Modliszów, Boleścin, Zebrzydów, Marcinowice, Jawor, Złoty Las, Strzegom, Żarów.
Back to the main travel overview: Lower Silesia.
