Kamień Śląski

KAMIEŃ ŚLĄSKI – WHERE YOU CAN RENEW YOUR BODY AND SOUL!

The first mention of Kamień Śląski dates back to 1104. It’s the birthplace of Saint Hyacinth (św. Jacek) (c. 1183–1257) and the Blessed Bronisława and Czesław, members of the Odrowąż family who played a major role in evangelizing medieval Europe. Saint Hyacinth Odrowąż, a passionate Dominican priest and missionary, was canonized in 1594. His statue adorns Bernini’s colonnade in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The palace here, originally a medieval fortress, was transformed five centuries after Saint Hyacinth’s birth into a Baroque residence by the von Larisch family. The chamber traditionally believed to be Saint Hyacinth’s birthplace was converted into a chapel, now open to visitors of the Sanctuary.

Throughout its history, the palace was owned by the Odrowąż family, as well as the Strzała, von Larisch, and Strachwitz families, who focused on developing the estate and maintaining the castle.

In the 1980s, attempts were made to restore the outbuildings, which had been completely destroyed and looted. Efforts to find buyers or investors were unsuccessful due to the extent of the damage. Eventually, the ruins were donated to the Diocese of Opole. In 1990, after completing ownership formalities, reconstruction began almost immediately.

The restoration took nearly four years. The historic architecture was largely preserved. The destroyed tower was fully rebuilt, the chapel restored, and the outbuildings renovated and converted into a tourist and lodging base. The completely devastated ballroom was also restored to its original style. The palace park was revitalized, and the adjacent pond cleaned and arranged.

In 1994, the Bishop of Opole established the Sanctuary of St. Hyacinth here — a cultural and academic center of the Theological Faculty of the University of Opole. The palace’s historic interiors host conferences, training sessions, and international symposia.

Opposite the palace in the park stands the Gate of Bells, called the “Gate of Reconciliation and Peace.” The bells were donated in 2012 by the Redemptorists from Bochum, Germany, in honor of Archbishop Alfons Nossol.

In the former palace farm buildings, a modern rehabilitation and leisure complex named Sebastianeum Silesiacum was created. Its name honors Sebastian Kneipp (1821–1897), a priest from Bad Wörishofen whose therapeutic methods—hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, and healthy nutrition—are still used today.

Attached to the complex is the Kneipp Garden, where visitors can enjoy hydrotherapy known as the “walk on water,” using the healing properties of Oligocene mineral waters.

Kamień Śląski also earned distinction in the European Village Renewal contest. In 2007, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Opole Village Renewal Program, the 6th European Village Renewal Congress took place here with representatives from all Polish regions. In 2004, the village won the “Beautiful Opole Village” contest.

RECURRING EVENTS IN KAMIEŃ ŚLĄSKI:

Metropolitan Feast Celebrations in Honor of St. Hyacinth, including the Annual Fair and “Stone Throwing” Competition — held every year on the weekend before August 17th.

St. Hyacinth Run — held annually on the Saturday following the St. Hyacinth feast celebrations.

Concerts on the Water — recurring every Sunday during the summer season.

Ceremonial Bell Ringing at the Gate of Bells — every Saturday at 3:00 PM, and Sundays at 11:15 AM and 2:55 PM.