The Sielecki Castle

The history of the oldest and the most valuable monument in Sosnowiec dates back to the Middle Ages. A mention of an existing fortalice appears in 15th century documents. The modern fortified castle was built around 1620 by Sebastian Minor from Przybysławice. Originally it was a four-wing structure with towers, surrounded by a moat. The castle was reconstructed by Ludwik Anhalt Koethen from Pszczyna in 1814. In 1824 the castle was seriously damaged by a fire, however it was rebuilt by 1832. Over the years the Sielecki Castle has been in possession of various owners. In the 60s of the 19th century its then owner, the count Jan Renard, surrounded the castle with a park. Largest-scale architectural reconstructions of the building were made in the second half of the 19th century, when the east wing and the entrance gate were removed. As a result, the castle has a horseshoe shape today.

The castle reconstructions resulted in the loss of its original appearance, nevertheless the shaped mass of the castle, four-corner towers or breaks on the extension of the side wings still prove its historical character.

In 1998 the Sosnowiec City Council decided to take over the castle and begin renovation works in it. Discoveries made during the reconstruction works revealed the rich history of the castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Today the castle is the seat of the Sosnowiec Art Center.