For centuries, Lower Silesia has had its castles and palaces built by princes, members of royal families or wealthy landowners and entrepreneurs. They are magnificent residences that to this day delight with their form and details. However, not all of them have survived. We would like to remind you of the history of three palaces that have become the architectural heritage of Lower Silesia and have influenced its identity and provided inspiration for contemporary buildings.
The palace in Szczodr
The palace in Szczodrem, known by its German name Schloss Sibyllenort, was built between 1685 and 1692 as a summer residence for Duke Krystian Ulric I, who turned the former estate into an elegant home for his second wife, Sybil Maria. The building, originally in Baroque-Renaissance style, underwent a series of alterations and extensions over the following generations – from modernisation in 1792-1802 to a later intervention in 1851-1867, when elements of English Neo-Gothic were introduced, giving the palace a new stylistic dimension. Its beautiful façade, intricately decorated architectural details and the surrounding royal park even attracted Polish kings such as August II Mocny and August III Sas.
A dark page in the history of the palace was the tragic fire in 1945, which destroyed much of the building. Part of the building was demolished in the 1950s, and the orangery was removed in the 1970s. What survived was the northern part of the palace, which was renovated in 1977-1980. Today we can see a wing of the palace, an outbuilding and a brick fence. In 1990, the palace was entered in the register of historical monuments, thus gaining legal protection.
The palace is currently in private hands, but is often open to visitors. Tourists and history enthusiasts can stroll through the grounds that once surrounded the palace, admire the remains of the decorations and take part in tours. The site is particularly attractive in spring, when the surrounding greenery comes to life. Finally, a curiosity. There used to be a huge mirror in a golden frame hanging in the palace. In 1932, this mirror was placed in the waiting room of Wrocław Główny train station, so that the palace could be seen by many Wrocław citizens.
Palace of the Korns
The Korn Palace, located in Pawlowice, is an impressive example of the Northern Renaissance, dating from 1891 to 1895. Originally part of the manor belonging to the St. Vincent monastery, the estate was acquired by Heinrich Korn, who decided to turn it into the seat of his family. The architectural design, attributed to August Orth, highlighted the family coats of arms of Heinrich von Korn and his wife Helena, née von Eichborn, and the whole is complemented by a well-thought-out park layout of more than 7 hectares with a charming pond, a stone bridge and a classical glorieta.
Over the years, the building changed owners and its function changed from an ancestral residence to a scientific centre. After World War II, the palace was used by the University of Wrocław, and from 1952 by the University of Life Sciences. In 1956 the interiors were extensively rebuilt, and after a fire in 1976 the roof and attic were rebuilt, allowing the building to regain its original character. In 1996 the palace and the grange were entered in the register of historical monuments, which provided the impetus for a series of renovation works covering both the palace and the accompanying outbuildings.
Today, the Korn palace is an excellent example of the successful revitalisation of a historical space that has found a new life as a cultural centre. You can see the building for yourself, enjoy the hotel or restaurant that operates there. The extensive park is also attractive for walking and jogging. Relaxing amidst the greenery with a book in your hand? This is the perfect place!
The no longer existing Schloss Schönborn
In the southern suburb of Wrocław, there used to be a palace that was often referred to in local historical studies under the German name Schloss Schönborn. Built in the second half of the 19th century, the building was distinguished by its elegant architecture, which combined classical proportions with subtle ornamentation. The residence exemplified the approach to palace building of the time and was a testament to the artistic and cultural aspirations of its owners.
Unfortunately, as a result of damage caused by warfare and subsequent deterioration, the building did not survive to the present day and was demolished. A few years ago, archaeological and documentary work was carried out on the site of the former residence, which provided information about the original structure of the building. At present, an investment project is being carried out on the site of the defunct palace to subtly reflect the spirit of a bygone era, combining historical accents with modern architecture.
By the Park. Today history comes full circle
The old architecture of Lower Silesia became the inspiration for the design of the Przy Park complex. It is a new investment, urban villas and in them residences, flats and penthouses, developed in the buffer zone of the 17th-century Palace Park, in the southern suburb of Wrocław.
The design of the “Przy Parku” residence complex was created by Bieniasz Nicholson Architekt. It is a response to the needs of demanding clients. Just as the aristocracy years ago expected the highest quality places to live and built palaces, now the equivalent of such places are modern buildings with a residential character.
The Przy Park development is an intimate, urban villa and townhouse, with an indoor swimming pool and a spa and fitness area. Its advantage is its location in the southern suburbs of Wrocław. Thanks to the Wroclaw Motorway Ring Road under construction (work is underway on the last section of the ring road in Wysoka), it takes up to 25 minutes to reach the centre of Wroclaw. It will take the same amount of time for the residents of Przy Park to get to the Wrocław airport and in 15 minutes they will reach Bielany Wrocławskie Shopping Centre. In addition, residents will be able to use the renovated railway station, located approximately 800 m away, from where it will take only 12 minutes to reach the city centre by train.
The residents of “Przy Park” will be able to use the nearby infrastructure, such as: sports field, tennis courts, primary school, kindergarten, nursery, delicatessen, pharmacy, veterinary surgery. They will also have a private swimming pool, access to a spa area, gym and fitness room. The development is adjacent to the 17th century Palace Park, to which the residents of ‘Przy Park’ have direct access. Functionally designed units with a height of 2.8 metres are arranged over an area of up to 229m2, while a dedicated space for consierge and parking spaces in the underground garage are just a few of the amenities created with future residents in mind.
You can read more about the development at: https://przyparku.com.pl.
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