Palaces

Palace in Kalety-Zielona

By the Zielona reservoir, in the part of Kalety separated from the town centre by a forest, stands the former hunting residence of the Donnersmarcks — one of the richest families of Upper Silesia. The historic building, listed in descriptions of Zielona, still awaits the completion of its renovation and remains closed to tourists.

The palace that hunted

The palace was raised as a hunting residence of the Henckel von Donnersmarck family, associated with Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck of the Świerklaniec line — owner of the cellulose and paper factory in Kalety. Hunts in the surrounding forests gathered eminent members of the family.

War and foresters

During the Second World War the palace furnishings were partly taken away and partly destroyed; a Ukrainian SS unit was stationed here. After the war the building served as a base of the Forest Transport Centre — the foresters' heavy machinery caused further damage.

Private hands since 2006

Since 2006 the palace has belonged to a private company; for years it stood fenced off and decaying. Currently (as of 2022) the renovation works have advanced and the elevations look considerably better, though the building remains closed.

The reservoir and the beavers

Zielona itself has a tourist character: three holiday centres operate by the reservoir, and the To the Beavers educational nature trail leads through the area. The palace is best viewed from the reservoir, combining a stroll with rest by the water.

In practice

Zielona lies about 5 km from the centre of Kalety (Lubliniec county, Silesian voivodeship). The palace on 30-lecia Street can be admired from the outside; aim for the summer season, when the reservoir centres are working at full speed.