Kliczków

Kliczków is a village (former town) in the administrative district of Gmina Osiecznica, within Bolesławiec County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in south-western Poland. Kliczków is the location of a notable castle dating from 1297.

It lies approximately 2 km north-east of Osiecznica, 12 km north-west of Bolesławiec, and 115 km west of the regional capital Wrocław.

History
The history of the village dates back to the 13th century, when it was located on the border of Bohemia and Silesia. The castle, constructed in 1297, served as a stronghold for knights. The remains of the former medieval stronghold are still intact, most notably, a rectangular stone keep (tower) on the western side. The initial purpose of the castle was to defend the Duchy of Świdnica and Jawor.

Subsequently, in the 14th century, the building changed its architectural character and purpose to serve as a manor house for wealthy nobles. Ruling aristocratic clans, like the German Rechenberg Family, greatly expanded the structure and adapted it to modern use. In the 19th century, the complex was restructured and redesigned once again. The palatial-styled fairy tale castle was located alongside a large, 80 hectare English garden. Before 1945, the castle was in eastern Germany. After World War II it was confiscated by the Polish state as it became part of Poland.

In Kliczków, Prince Friedrich of Solms-Baruth was responsible for creating, beside the traditional family mausoleum, a cemetery for his most beloved horses and pets. Nowadays, there are only two surviving tombstones from at least a dozen that once stood in the graveyard.

The overall Gothic and Renaissance Revival style of the castle make it a unique architectural gem in the region. The castle itself is a popular tourist spot in Lower Silesia.