This splendid palace with its characteristic semi-circular form was originally conceived as the King’s primary residence.  With time, however, it began to take on a more official and representative function. Matters of state were discussed in its elegant interiors, and over the centuries the apartments were used to accommodate tsarist generals, members of the Polish government, as well as...

Toward the end of the 17th century, a smaller building stood in the place of today’s Great Annexe (Officer Cadets School). It served as a kitchen, where meals were prepared for the residents of the Bathhouse of Stanisław Herakliusz Lubomirski. In the time of Stanisław August, the building was considerably expanded (according to a design by Domenico Merlini) and then named the Great Annexe....

The Old Guardhouse is located behind the Palace on the Isle, by the Northern Lake. Guardhouse (corps de garde in French) is a pavilion intended as an outpost for guards. The first building in the Royal Łazienki with this function was shaped like a pyramid covered with vegetation. It existed several years only. The second guardhouse was built near the building used for playing Trou-Madame - a...

The Wałbrzych Palm House arose from the initiative of the last representative of the Hochberg dynasty in Książ Castle, Hans Heinrich XV. The Prince had it built for his spouse, Mary Theresa Cornwallis-West, known as Daisy:  a lover of beautiful flowers and original plants. To this day, this expression of love -- the largest imaginable “bouquet of flowers” -- holds great charm. It is the only...

For the first time ever, the gardens of Książ Castle will come alive with a thousand lights! For five months (November 8, 2019 – March 31, 2020), the Castle terraces will turn into a spectacular light show, bringing a shimmering vitality to the Castle walls. Streams of light will flow from the fountains; flowers will bloom on the Rose Terrace; and on the West Terrace, transformed into a...

The terraces and Książ garden were developed in the eighteenth century, at first in the symmetrical French style. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the castle’s last mistress, Princess Daisy, brought about further embellishments. The British gardeners whom she engaged arranged some of the terraces in the English style, adapting them to the natural landscape. Today up to 14 terraces...

The castle in Birów shows us what a defensive settlement might have looked like from the times when Poland was ruled by the first Piast dynasty. The main building material was wood, but our ancestors also used earth and stones. Ramparts and a palisade protected against enemies. When building them, the natural defensive qualities of the mountain were made great use of - steep rocks and...

The small building was constructed amidst dense trees at a certain distance from the central buildings of the Royal Łazienki. It was supposed to be a place where its owners could find refuge from everyday hassles and spend time alone with their thoughts.  The Hermitage building stands in the northern part of the garden, near the Jan III Sobieski monument. The Hermitage (ermitage in French -...

After Poland regained independence, the Royal Łazienki buildings became state property. In 1922, the Belvedere Palace was designated as the official residence of the newly elected first president of the 2nd Republic, Gabriel Narutowicz. He moved to the villa located behind the Stable and the Couch House. The building, which still exists today, was named as the Narutowicz House. It was built in...

The building of the New Orangery (erected in 1860-1861) was designed by Adam Adolf Loewe and Józef Orłowski to shelter in cold weather the orange trees and exotic plants that were displayed in the garden in summer. Among the plants were the camphor tree, magnolias, myrtles, pomegranates and cypresses. The plants blissfully enjoyed the light and warmth of the sun through the southern glass...