The first castle was a wooden stronghold; later, Duke Bolesław the Tall built a stone tower house.

[citation needed] The castle has been a seat of both the Piast dynasty and the Duchy of Jawor-Świdnica.

Several politically significant events took place in the castle during the Middle Ages.

In 1648, the castle saw damage when it was besieged by soldiers loyal to the Holy Roman Empire [citation needed], but it was renovated later during the same century (1663-65).

During World War II, it was used as such also by the German authorities who among others imprisoned several French women here.