Ruined Castle in Kopice

Poland's magnificent ruins: Kopice Castle in Opole

The small village of Kopice is located southeast of the town of Grodków in Opole Voivodeship. It is known as the site of an impressive castle ruin. Since the 16th century, the Schaffgotsch family was one of the most influential large landowners in Silesia. The palace in Kopice may have been the most elaborate and magnificent residence of the family. Although only the surrounding walls remain, scattered sculptures, busts and filigree facade decorations have been preserved to this day.

In 1868, the couple Hans Ulrich and Johanna Schaffgotsch commissioned Carl Lüdecke to redesign the palace, which had previously resembled a residence in the classicist style. Lüdecke was a student of Friedrich August Stüler and the builder of numerous representative buildings in the 19th century. Among others, he also designed Bechau Castle (Pałac w Biechowie) in Opole. Konstantin Heidenreich, known for Silesian castles of similar monumental design, was also involved in the construction, including Plawniowitz Castle and Franzdorf Castle (Pałac w Frączkowie), which is currently for sale.

After the castle was almost undamaged after 1945, it first served as accommodation for the local population, and later as a vacation camp for children and young people. In 1954, this extraordinary monument caught fire and was completely looted and destroyed in the following years.

The park, built on the English model, originally had a size of almost 70 hectares and, in addition to natural monuments, included numerous prominent buildings, including the burial chapel, a mausoleum, an artificial tower ruin, a victory column, various pavilions in different designs and architectural influences, and several representative gates. Many of these objects are no longer preserved today, or only in rudimentary form.

Are there any plans for for Kopice Castle?

There have been numerous changes of ownership over the past 15 years, but to date (2020) it is unclear what will become of the prominent ruin. For many years, the property has been permanently guarded and secured against trespassing, without any concrete plans for its use or any recognizable construction activities.

With its great name and historical relevance, the ruin would at least fulfill an important criterion for possible reconstruction. And in Poland, comparable objects have already been "rebuilt" in similar initial situations, even if Kopice would certainly represent the largest project of this kind to date.

February 2022: New owner for Kopice Castle

Currently various Polish media report about a change of ownership of Koppitz Castle. Buyer is the transport businessman Joachim Wiesiollek, who already owns the palace in Żyrowa. Thus, the hope for the reconstruction of the castle complex enters a new round.

Is the castle in Kopice on the market?

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