A comprehensive renovation of the 17th-century retaining wall of the Kazanowski Palace in Warsaw’s Mariensztat has been completed. The structure, which supports the Vistula embankment at the back of the buildings belonging to Caritas at Krakowskie Przedmieście, had been in a deplorable state for years. The dire condition of the brick structure led to a building disaster in February 2022. Now the historic wall in Mariensztat is once again pleasing to the eye and poses no danger.
The residents of Mariensztat can breathe a sigh of relief. According to the assurances of the Capital Conservator of Monuments, Michał Krasucki, the wall has undergone a thorough renovation and all work is covered by a guarantee. “At the moment, the wall presents itself aesthetically and is safe. It is not in danger of collapsing, provided there are no external interventions,” – Krasucki said in an interview with Polskie Radio RDC. He added that the work was completed efficiently – it started in September 2022 and was completed before the New Year with a gross budget of more than two million zloty.
History of the wall and the Kazanowski Palace
The historic wall is a remnant of one of Warsaw’s most magnificent residences from the first half of the 17th century – the Kazanowski Palace. The building, erected by Adam Kazanowski, was distinguished by its magnificent gardens, viewing terraces and a petting zoo. Unfortunately, the palace was almost completely destroyed during the Swedish Deluge in 1656.
In 1661, the palace passed into the hands of the Lubomirski family, who two years later gave part of it to the Discalced Carmelite nuns. The nuns adapted the building to their needs, making numerous alterations, including the demolition of the towers and viewing terrace and the division of the representative dining hall. In 1818, the building became the seat of the Warsaw Charity Society, and since 1989 it has housed the Caritas Charity Society of the Warsaw Archdiocese.
The significance of the renovation of the wall
The restoration work on the wall was necessary because its technical condition threatened the safety of residents and passers-by. For years, plaques had been hanging on the wall warning of falling bricks. One such plaque, with the words ‘No climbing, falling bricks’, has almost become a symbol of the problems associated with the historic wall. The situation became particularly dangerous after part of the structure collapsed in February 2022, when debris could have caused serious injuries.
The wall in Mariensztat – the beginning of the works and now
The Wall on Mariensztat – colourful stories from the past
The wall of the Kazanowskis’ palace is not only an architectural element, but also a place known from Polish literature, more specifically one of the scenes described in the novel “Potop” by Henryk Sienkiewicz. During the storming of the Kazanowski palace, Onufry Zagłoba accidentally entered a cage with monkeys located in the palace garden. The enraged animals attacked Zagłoba, who called for help in panic. His screams attracted the soldiers, who, seeing the absurd situation, burst out laughing. Only Roch Kowalski came to the nobleman’s rescue. Although the scene was comical in nature, the assault ended in success for the troops, who captured the palace, monastery and bell tower. The event is commemorated by a plaque on the wall.
Commemorative plaque before and after restoration
Thanks to the completed restoration, this historic piece of Warsaw’s history is once again pleasing to the eye and, above all, no longer a threat. The works carried out have restored some of Mariensztat’s former charm.
Source: rdc.pl
Photos: Jarek Zuzga / Okno na Warszawę
Read also: Monument | Renovation | City | Warsaw | Architecture in Poland
