Palaces

Gorzanów Palace

Above a valley a few kilometres from Bystrzyca Kłodzka, in the village of Gorzanów, towers a residence on the border between palace and castle — researchers have even identified medieval foundations of a knightly tower here. The present Renaissance manor was raised in the 16th century and expanded to monumental proportions in the Baroque era.

Sgraffito like nowhere else

Gorzanów boasts the largest gathering of sgraffito decoration in Poland — authentic examples from 1560 survive inside, while the facades were renewed in the 20th century. The interiors hold the Sala Terrena linking the palace with the park, rooms with mirrored ceilings, polychromed wooden ceilings and a Baroque chapel whose cherubs weigh up to 60 kg — the ceiling today shows lighter replicas, the walls the restored originals.

A palace theatre

In 1816–1847, under Johann Friedrich von Herberstein, a palace theatre operated here, open also to the locals. Carl von Holtei — writer, actor and director — performed here and wrote his poems.

In practice

The palace is open to visitors at selected hours; the interiors are shown by the owner, Marek Haisig. It is still a living construction site — the residence is regaining its splendour after years of neglect, yet concerts, festivals and theatre performances take place here, and a café and guest rooms operate on site.