Castle
The castle in Bielsko-Biała has a Piast past. But the name and present, eclectic appearance owes to the Sułkowski family, in whose rule it remained from the mid-eighteenth century to 1945. Today, it is the seat of the Museum in Bielsko-Biała, which is rich in collections. A visit in it will allow us to breathe in the atmosphere of old elegance, get to know the history of the city and the surrounding area, admire old and modern art, and even listen to good music.
Fot. T. Gębuś
Fot. T. Gębuś
The history of the castle
Bielsko was always on the border - whether between the Piast principality, whether it was Poland and the Czech Republic, and finally between Galicia and Cieszyn Silesia. A strong stronghold was therefore a must. Over the years, the castle changed its owners, even reaching the hands of the rich families of Promnitz, Schaffgotsch or Sunnegh; his role and appearance also changed. In 1752, Aleksander Józef Sułkowski acquired the Bielsko estate with the castle. His descendants ruled him until 1945. The aforementioned Aleksander Józef Sułkowski made an extraordinary career in the 18th century. And both in Poland and in the Habsburgs, where he even received the title of Prince of the Reich. The Sułkowskis are responsible for the contemporary face of the castle. He underwent a thorough reconstruction in the second half of the nineteenth century, obtaining an eclectic look. As the previous buildings looked like, we are trying to visualize the museum in Lapidarium, where old walls were unveiled, architectural details and polychromes were shown. Sułkowski himself was also devoted to a small exhibition.
Fot. T. Gębuś
Fot. T. Gębuś
About the museum
The Museum in Bielsko-Biała allows you to get thoroughly acquainted with the "History of the city and the castle", and the ethnographic exhibition introduces the multi-ethnic traditions of the area. Devotees of the old weapons will certainly be tempted by the armory and hunting room. The museum also managed to collect interesting collections of art - from the late Middle Ages to the 21st century. The most representative room in the castle is the classical music salon, resounding with music to this day. Contemporary art is also always present in castle salons.
Fot. T. Gębuś
Fot. T. Gębuś
Fot. T. Gębuś