Palaces

The Manor House in Modlnica

Key information

Modlnica Manor is a Baroque-Classical residence built in 1784–1787 and remodelled in the first half of the 19th century. It stands at 62 St Wojciech Street, about 11 km north-west of Kraków. The complex includes the manor, a stone wall with a tower, a pergola, a lamus outbuilding and a park combining Italian-garden and landscape features. It is protected heritage, but the grounds are fenced and not open to casual visitors.

The Konopka family and Oskar Kolberg

Modlnica belonged to the Konopka family from 1782 until the end of World War II. The ethnographer and composer Oskar Kolberg lived at the manor for many years while working on his “Lud” collection. Artists including Artur Grottger and Włodzimierz Tetmajer also visited. Later alterations created the present Classical appearance, marked by a Tuscan-column portico, high mansard roof and a terraced park. The wooden 16th-century Church of St Wojciech stands opposite and is a separate attraction.

Access and planning

After wartime damage, the manor was transferred to the Jagiellonian University in 1959. It now operates as the JU Reception and Conference Centre; the historic interiors are part of the venue’s offer. There are no regular sightseeing hours or public ticket price. For interior access or an event, contact the centre in advance: dwor.modlnica@uj.edu.pl, +48 502 196 369. Do not enter behind the wall without an invitation. Nearby are Ojców National Park and Pieskowa Skała Castle.