Palaces

Donnersmarck Palace in Nakło Śląskie

Not far from Tarnowskie Góry rises the Neo-Gothic Donnersmarck Palace, modelled on English Gothic and Tudor architecture. Its tall tower, stepped gables and dormers with tent-shaped roofs make it one of the most recognisable monuments of the Tarnowskie Góry county.

A magnate's summer residence

Construction began in 1856 on the initiative of Count Hugo I Henckel von Donnersmarck, one of the wealthiest industrialists of Upper Silesia; two years later the residence, intended as the family's summer seat, was ready. The Donnersmarcks had ruled Nakło since 1695 until the end of the Second World War. In 1891 the founder's son, Lazarus IV, raised the tower and enlarged the palace, giving it its present shape.

The Polish line of the family

After 1921 the Nakło branch remained in Poland as loyal citizens, which is why it was called the „Polish line”. The last owner, Lazarus V, left for Switzerland before the front arrived, refused German citizenship and, until his death in 1991, was active in the Order of Malta.

Silesian Culture Centre

After the war the building housed an agricultural school for about sixty years. Since 2013 the palace has been home to the Silesian Culture Centre: exhibitions — including one devoted to the Donnersmarcks — workshops and concerts take place here. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:00–18:00, weekends 11:00–18:00; tickets from PLN 5, and on the first Friday of the month admission is free.