The best traffic-free bike rides in Lower Silesian Voivodeship

Something extraordinary, this basilica—an extraordinary, impressive temple. Monumental stone steps, a facade over 50 meters high, in the Renaissance style. Overall, this church looks like a palace. Not to mention what's inside—paintings, sculptures, miraculous figurines, and who knows what other wonders. I'll be honest: such majesty impresses me even more than the wave-shaped building in Gdańsk Oliwa, where I once lived!

Impressive! I wonder who built this?

The castle is in excellent condition. But not accessible. It is secured with barbed wire and video surveillance. Why? I found the explanation on Wikipedia: The original palace stood on this site in 1574 (16th century). Gottlob Albrecht von Saurma (born 1743) [2] had the building rebuilt in the neoclassical style in 1798. In the first half of the 19th century, the castle was owned by the Counts von Stosch auf Manze from Mańczyce. In 1903, the building was expanded with side pavilions. The last German owner of the estate with knighthood rights until 1945 was Gustav von Johnston, a lieutenant in the Imperial Army [3]. After the end of World War II, the building fell into disrepair. The first major renovation took place in 1968. In 1977, the palace underwent extensive reconstruction. [4] It is the seat of the Ministry of Justice's correctional facility. The monument is part of the castle complex, which also includes a park [ 5 ] .

The Church of Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Częstochowa in Wierzbice is a late Gothic temple from the 15th century, surrounded by a stone and brick wall with Renaissance epitaphs. Inside there is a valuable triptych from 1592 depicting the Last Supper and Baroque furnishings from the early 18th century.

The Church of the Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grudza is a late Baroque church from the 18th century, one of the most valuable monuments of the Jizera Foothills. It is characterized by rich furnishings from the period of its construction, and has recently been restored, which has restored its former glory. Located in the picturesque village of Grudza, the church is easily accessible by asphalt roads.

The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wambierzyce is an impressive Baroque church from the 18th century, an important place of Marian worship in Lower Silesia. Built in the years 1715–1723, in 1936 it received the title of minor basilica by Pope Pius XI. Situated on a hill, which is reached by 56 stone steps, 33 of which symbolize the years of Jesus' life, it is not only a pilgrimage destination, but also an attractive point on a bicycle route. Road cyclists will appreciate the good quality asphalt access roads and the opportunity to rest in the picturesque surroundings. It is worth remembering about appropriate footwear if you plan to visit the interior of the basilica and climb the stairs.

​Meziměstí Castle, located right on the Czech border with Poland, is a Baroque residence rebuilt in 1728–1738 by architect Krzysztof Dientzenhofer on behalf of Abbot Otomar Zinke. The building was built on the site of an older 15th-century fortress and has served various functions over the years, including as a school and a farm. The castle is currently privately owned and not open to the public, but its facade and surroundings are worth a quick stop. Road cyclists can reach Meziměstí by asphalt road no. 302, and the castle is located in the city center, right on the main road. It is a good place to rest before continuing your ride toward Broumov or Adršpach.

The palace in Sadowice, located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, is a 16th-century classicist residence, rebuilt in 1798 by Gottlob Albrecht von Saurma. The building is located on the Bystrzyca River, on the north-western edge of the village of Sadowice, with a façade facing the farm complex, preceded by a driveway and a round lawn. Currently, the palace serves as a Ministry of Justice Correctional Facility, which means that it is not open to visitors. For road cyclists, the asphalt routes in the vicinity of Kąty Wrocławskie are attractive, but it should be remembered that the area around the palace is fenced and inaccessible to visitors.