GŁUCHOŁAZY

Picturesquely situated at the foot of the Opawskie Mountains, right on the Czech border, this ‘Town of the Order of the Smile’ boasts numerous historic townhouses listed in the register of monuments. Its lineage stretches back to the Middle Ages. Fragments of 15th-century medieval defensive walls have survived within the town and can be admired, for instance, along ul. M. Curie - Skłodowskiej. A visit to the impressive, 25-metre-high main gate tower is also highly recommended. Reaching the observation deck requires climbing over a hundred wooden steps. Centuries of history are also preserved in the Church of St Lawrence, with origins dating back to the 13th century, and the St Roch Cemetery

Church, erected on the site of a chapel from circa 1350. Głuchołazy is renowned for its spa traditions. Established in the late 19th century, Spa Park, with its brine graduation tower opened in 2018 and a 15-metre tower topped with a terrace, draws hundreds of visitors and spa guests every year.

To the south of the town lie two nature reserves: Nad Białką and Las Bukowy. The Biała Głuchołaska River flows through the town.

The town’s coat of arms depicts a goat’s head with twisted golden horns. Initially, the symbol alluded to the town’s former name, Ziegenhals (Goat’s Neck). The name Głuchołazy was adopted after 1945. However, it is no accident that a goat appears on the coat of arms. Legend tells of a siege during which the residents defended their homes for weeks. The enemy army blocked food supplies from the surrounding villages, expecting the starving inhabitants to capitulate.

In response, the mayor ordered one of the last remaining goats to be killed and pieces of the meat hung from various sections of the defensive walls. Convinced that the town still possessed ample food reserves, the enemy abandoned the siege.

Use the planner to explore the area around Głuchołazy