The most famous and distinctive structure in Klodzko is the huge fortress that towers over the city, taking over the hill known earlier as Fortress Mount. It is one of the best preserved examples of fortification systems.
FEATURES, ORIGINS, VALUES AND LEGAL PROTECTION
It was built in the 18th century, by order of the Prussian King Frederick II, on the site of ancient Austrian fortifications, after Prussia won the Silesian Wars. The fortress occupies a total area of about 30 hectares and consists of the Main Fortress, the auxiliary Owcza Gora Fort and the preserved fragments of the city fortifications and headland defences. From the north-western and west the terrain leading up to the fortress is very flat and without any obstructions and this created a serious threat to the defenders of the fortress. In order to strengthen the defences of this section, there is a dense network of mine-laying corridors a few metres below the surface, which allowed each part of the slope to be blown up along with the attacking enemy positions. It is estimated that the length of these corridors is several kilometres. So far, they have only partially penetrated and only about 1km has been prepared for use by tourists.
The mine-laying corridors can only be visited with a guide, while the rest of the fortress above the ground can be visited independently. On the sightseeing trail there is an exhibition of equipment and fire engines from a bygone era, an exhibition of glass art, a House of Remembrance and Mausoleum for the victims of Nazism.
TOUR ORGANISER
Klodzko Culture, Sport and Recreation Centre
Plac Jagiello 1
57 - 300 Klodzko
Tel +48 74 867 33 64 (office)
e - mail: sekretariat@centrum.klodzko.pl
http://www.kcksir.pl/
www.centrum.klodzko.pl
Fortress Klodzko and Mine-Laying Corridors
57-300 Klodzko
Ul Grodzisko 1
Tel +48 74 867 34 68
www.twierdza.klodzko.pl
ACCESSIBILITY OF FACILITIES BY VISITORS
The fortress is open daily:
From November till April, between 09.00 and 15.00.
From May till October, between 09.00 and 18.00.
The change from summer to winter season is dependent on the change of time during the summer or winter.
NOTE! The fortress is closed on 1st January, Easter Sunday, 1st November and 24th and 25th December.
Length of the route is around 1km, the underground labyrinth.
Tour takes about 1hour.
Group size: min 10 and max 80 people.
Last guided tour will begin two hours before closing.
Children under the age of 5 and people suffering from heart disease, cardiovascular and claustrophobia will not be permitted to enter the mine-laying corridors.
The route is electrically illuminated.
The temperature inside is 12° C and humidity is 75%.
We recommend comfortable, athletic shoes and warm clothing in the summer.
Route available for the disabled.
The facility is not suitable for people with physical disabilities.
Sightseeing of the fortress is unaccompanied.
Location Map:
