History
1288-1292 the first written documents concerning Książ Castle – construction of many fortified castles founded by Prince Bolko I of Świdnica and Jawor.
Up to 1392 the Castle was still a property of Piast dynasty. Since than by virtue of the succession treaty it has become the possession of Czech Crown.
1497 king Władysław Jagiellończyk sold Książ to His chancellor Jan von Schellenberg.
1508 The Castle was a property of Jan von Haugwitz.
11th of June 1509 - Książ was handed by Jan von Haugwitz to Konrad I von Hochberg. (Since than it has become the property of the Hochberg family until the seizure by Nazi army).
5th of April 1605 - Konrad III von Hochberg has acquired the right of inheritance of The Książ Castle from the Emperor Rudolf III. Since than the Castle has become the hereditary property of the family.
1705 - 1742 - Konrad Ernest Maksymilian von Hochberg was taking up the reconstruction of the castle - representative baroque extension, honourable courtyard, castle’s buildings (baths, front gate building – the place for castle’s guard and library), as well as The Summer Pavilion on The Poplar Hill which has became the family’s mausoleum since the 2nd half of the XIX c.
1789 – 1833- Jan Henryk VI was developing the castle surroundings. According to the project of Christian Wilhelm Tischbein new structures were built in the area of Castle’s park as well as the imitation of ruin on the medieval foundations – Stary Książ (The Old Castle).
In 1848 Hochberg family has received the princely title.
1907 – 1938 - Jan Henryk XV was carrying on the biggest development in the Castle’s history. Between 1908 – 1923 north and west renaissance extensions were being developed. Castle’s tower has reached the height of 47m and was covered with the domed helmet and the lantern. Also the Castle’s gardens took its current shape.
8th of December 1891 - Jan Henryk XV married in London Maria Teresa Oliwia Cornwallis West – Księżna Daisy (Princess Daisy)– the most picturesque figure in the Castle history.
In 1941 German troops confiscated The Castle. At that time sons of Daisy and Jan Henryk XV fought against Hitler’s army - Jan Henryk XVII in British Army and Aleksander for Polish troops. The collections of Royal Prussia Library in Berlin were kept in Książ during the 2nd World War.
In 1943 Hitler’s paramilitary organisation ‘Todt’ had stormed into the Castle and began to construct one of the most important quarters for Adolph Hitler. At that time 1 km long tunnels beneath The Castle were build. The historians are not sure about the destination of those underground constructions as well as the tunnels in Góry Sowie.
Up to August 1946 Soviet troops were being based in Ksiaż.
Up to 1956 The Castle was going into ruin.
Between 1956 and 1962 Książ was secured by Wojewódzki Konserwator Zabytków in Wrocław (heritage conservator).
Complex restoration treatment has started in 1974.
In 1991 Gmina Wałbrzych became the owner of The Castle and called up the Przedsiębiorstwo Zamek Książ to administrate the object.
11th of March 2005 - European Centre in The Książ Castle was founded.
