The origins of this castle are shrouded in legend. It is said that it may have been built by the Templar Order, which is suggested by the square plan of the building. However, it is certain that over the centuries Schloss Fischbach, today Karpniki Castle, changed owners almost countless times. It was the property of the most distinguished Silesian families, and for a short time it was even ruled by the Cistercians. In 1822, the estate and the castle were purchased by the Prussian king's brother, Prince Wilhelm of the Hohenzollern family. Karpniki was visited by the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm III. Tsar Nicholas I also stayed here. Antoni Radziwiłł, duke-governor of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Poznań, patron of art, owner of Antonin, was a frequent guest.
Karpniki was the place of the romance between Princess Eliza, daughter of Antoni Radziwiłł, and the young Prince Wilhelm I, son of the Prussian king. Despite their mutual great love, Wilhelm was persuaded to marry another princess. Eliza Radziwiłł never married, died at the age of 30.
Today, the castle in Karpniki, in Lower Silesia, Poland is a wonderful hotel. Surrounded by a moat, the building is a mixture of architectural styles. The interiors feature Renaissance decorations, from the courtyard you can see the Gothic Revival cloisters and a Baroque staircase. The restaurant is located in the oldest medieval rooms of the castle.
