History
TOPACZ CASTLE THROUGHOUT HISTORY
From the pages of history
Today, Castle Topacz is a blend of historical structures with modern luxury. To faithfully recreate this place, we had to delve into its extraordinary history, which impacted not only the history of this estate but probably also... Europe.
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
The Tower
According to Alexander Duncker, a German publisher, bookseller, and writer, the defensive residential tower, which remains the symbol of the estate to this day, was built in the 12th century by the Templars to ensure the safety of transported merchants and their goods.
GRAND STRUCTURE
Castle
Since 1359, the estate belonged to Nikolaus Wierzynka. In the 1360s, the wooden defensive tower was replaced with a residential stone tower. His son, Nikolaus Wierzynek the Younger, oversaw the transformation of the wooden guardhouse into a grand, brick castle.
The Wierzynek family, originating from Lower Silesia, was a notable family of Krakow burghers who significantly contributed to Polish history. From 1359 to 1383, they were the owners of the estate in Ślęza, contributing to its prosperity.
The famous feast "at Wierzynek’s" took place during the first European monarchs' meeting in 1364 in Krakow. It is highly probable that the recipes for the dishes served at this feast originated on the Ślęza estate.
NARROW-GAUGE RAILWAY
Steam Locomotive
KLECINA CONFECTIONERY
Sugar Beet Cultivation
FREDERICKAN NEO-CLASSICISM
The Granary
The granary building, where the produce from the surrounding crops was stored in the past, dates back to the second half of the 18th century and is the oldest building in the estate complex, besides the castle. Its form is inspired by the architectural style known as Frederickan Neo-Classicism.
ORIGINAL LAYOUT
The Guest House
The guest house, built in 1830 during the time of Count Koenigsdorff, the then owner of the estate, has preserved its original layout to this day. It used to be a residential building for the local workers.
RESIDENCE OF THE ESTATE MANAGER
Estate Manager's Residence
The building of the estate manager's residence formerly served an economic-administrative function. It was built in the first half of the 19th century and was the residence of the estate manager and other individuals involved in the administration of the estate.
INTERESTING CONSTRUCTION
The Carriage House
The building where sugar was stored in the past was constructed in the last third of the 19th century. It is covered with a gabled roof with ceramic tiles resting on an interesting wooden structure. Currently, it houses the Automotive Museum and the Ballroom.
UNUSUAL VAULTING
The Stable
The two-story building with brick walls and a gabled roof was built towards the end of the 19th century. In the three peaks of the vault, there were oculi - circular openings that allowed light and fresh air to pass through.
FORMER COWSHED
The Workshop
The workshop building, located between the Gardener's Cottage and the Granary, was constructed towards the end of the 19th century and originally served as a cowshed. Today, it houses a workshop for vintage cars, serving as the workshop facilities for the Automotive Museum, as well as administrative rooms.
GARDENER'S COTTAGE
The Bell
Ground floor of the Gardener's Cottage, built in the first half of the 20th century, housed a dining area for the workers. Meal times were signaled by striking a brass bell, which can now be found on the eastern wall of the building.
