The Royal Palace is the visiting card of the city of Warsaw, the capital of Poland. This is one of the most important historical monuments of the whole country. At one time, this symbol of the European state, the former residence of the Polish kings, was actually recreated from the ruins.
Historical background
The first fortification on the site of the current palace was built by the ruler of Mazovia - Prince Boleslav II back in the distant 1294-1313. At that time, this building served as a residence for the princes. Until 1526, the royal princes lived here, and later the castle became the residence of the Polish kings.
At the beginning of the 17th century, this architectural object acquired its present form. Then, by decree of the Polish king - Sigismund Vasa, Italian architects built a pentagonal palace, consisting of two floors, in the early baroque style. Later, Vladislav IV added a gallery-loggia from the side of the garden and the Vladislav Tower to the castle.
Unfortunately, the palace was heavily plundered during the Swedish invasion in the 17th century and the Great Northern War. The renewal of the dilapidated building is associated with the name of the king - Stanisław August Poniatowski. Under him, the southern wing (completed in 1765-1771) was attached to the castle, creatingas well as interiors designed in the style of late baroque and classicism. Stanislav August, being a great lover of art, founded an atelier here, which was led by the artist Bacciarelli. The famous Royal Library was also built at this time.
In the interval between the First and Second World Wars, the palace was completely restored, and the president of that time, Ignacy Mościcki, settled here. But all the restoration work was in vain. With the outbreak of World War II, the palace was mined by Nazi troops and mercilessly destroyed. Only thanks to the courageous work of art critics, before the bombing, most of the exhibits were removed from the palace, as well as doors, fireplaces, stucco moldings, and sculptures were dismantled.
After the war, the place where the castle used to be was empty until 1971, when the Seimas finally decided to restore the palace, using the surviving fragments, paintings and photographs, giving it, if possible, the shape that it had at the beginning of the 17th century. Restoration work continued until 1988.
As a result, the priceless centuries-old treasures of the castle were able to find a second life in the newly erected dwelling. In 1984, the Royal Castle was already opened as a museum, which houses expositions from different periods of Polish history.
Modernity
In the modern reconstructed palace there is a museum complex. Here you can see unique and priceless paintings by Rembrandt and Matejko, old views and landscapes of Warsaw by Bellotto, as well as the urn with the ashes of TadeuszKosciuszko.
The castle is a national cultural monument of Poland, a place of permanent and temporary exhibitions of art assets, as well as official meetings, concerts, symposiums and other important events.
The Royal Palace in Warsaw has really interesting expositions, for example, you can visit the palace rooms, the Senate Hall, the Sejm Hall, the royal chambers. It is especially recommended to visit the Marble Cabinet, which displays portraits of Polish kings painted by Marcello Bocharelli, as well as the Knights' Room. Taking pictures in the museum is possible, but with the flash turned off. Regularly, the Royal Palace hosts concerts and theatrical performances and performances made in the style of the 18th-19th centuries - a truly amazing sight. You can find out if there will be such events while visiting the capital of Poland on the official website of the Royal Palace.
Location
The Royal Palace in Warsaw is located in the very center of the capital city, on its main square, which is called the Castle Square, near the Vistula River. The area where the castle is located is called the Old Town. A more precise location where you can find the Royal Palace in Warsaw (address) - Castle Square, building 4.
What to see
The interior of many halls of the castle managed to remain the same as under their true owners. This is possible only thanks to the invaluable work of restorers and art historians. Such exhibits as antique furniture, clocks, tapestries,ceramics - all this once adorned the original Royal Palace in Warsaw. Photos of the internal halls of the castle, posted in the article, cannot fully convey all the beauty and sophistication of these items and interiors.
Royal Palace in Warsaw reviews
The Royal Palace is one of the main tourist attractions in Warsaw and Poland. Tourists and residents of the city speak of this place with extremely positive statements. Also, visitors note that every Sunday the entrance to the museum (without excursion service) is completely free, which makes it possible to visit the palace at no extra cost.