POWIAT RACIBORSKI - GoRaciborz.pl

THE ODRA RIVER MEANDERS
AND THE ROTHSCHILD PALACE
– CHAŁUPKI
The area where the Odra river winds along
the border is an area of protected scenery created
by the natural meandering of the river that amazes
the scientists. Rare plant communities protected on a
European scale can be found here, among others riverain
forests with alder and ash – trees, willow – poplar meadows
and fragments of wet grass lands. The occurrence of
over 120 plant species has been confirmed. Beavers, otters,
rare butterflies as well as cockchafers, which are in danger
of extinction, live here. A kingfisher builds its nests on
the precipitous banks. The meanders are part of the Polish
– Czech educational path. A Baroque palace in Chałupki,
that lies on the bank of the Odra river, was erected in
1682 on the foundations of a medieval stronghold, once
called Barutswerde, the existence of which was confirmed
in source materials in 1373. The remaining relics of a moat
and a medieval bastion fortification certify the defensive
character of the place. Over the entrance there is a family
herb left belonging to the previous owners of the palace
– rich Jewish bankers the Rothschilds. Nearby, there is a
border bridge from 1899, previously called the Millennium
Bridge of Emperor Frank Joseph. Next to the bridge there
is a building of a former foray and restaurant from the late
19th century. A railway station from the first half of the
19th century was built at the start of the first rail service
between Prussia and Austro-Hungary through Racibórz.
Chałupki is worth seeing.
In the palace there is a hotel and restaurant, www.
hotel-zamek.pl
Fot. WAW
WWF Polska P. Nieznaski/ UG Krzyżanowice
Fot. B. Stachow