Brühl Palace in Brody is slowly rising from ruin. History of the most magnificent residence in the Lubuskie region

·5 February 2025

The Brühl Palace in Brody is one of the most beautiful monuments in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, forming part of an impressive palace and park complex. Its history dates back to the 14th century, and its turbulent history includes times of both prosperity and destruction. Today, the palace complex is undergoing slow renovation.

History of Brühl Palace in Brody

The Brody residence was first mentioned in 1622, but it was Heinrich von Brühl – the first minister of King August III Sas – who gave it its present form. In 1740, he purchased the estate and had it rebuilt in the spirit of Saxon rococo. During his reign, the estate was considerably extended and became famous, which is why the monument is today known as Brühl Palace. The work, supervised by the architect Johann Christoph Knöffel, was completed in 1749. Unfortunately, less than 10 years later, the palace was burned to the ground by Prussian hussars on the orders of King Frederick II. Reconstruction did not begin until the 19th century and continued in stages until 1924. Shortly afterwards, black clouds once again hung over the Brodov estate. Friedrich Franz von Brühl was the last owner of the mansion and its surroundings. The more than two hundred years of rule by the count family came to an end with the end of the Second World War. In the first half of February 1945, fearing the approaching Soviet troops, Friedrich left the family estate and never returned to it. Shortly afterwards, the palace was set on fire by the Red Army. All that remained of the mansion were the burnt-out walls.

The palace on a postcard from the 1920s. Source: zamkipałacedworywojewództwaalubuskiego.pl

Architecture and decoration of the palace

Brühl Palace is a monumental property built on a horseshoe plan. It consists of a main body and two side wings covered by a high roof. The façade of the edifice delighted with its rich decoration, with a two-storey portico and carved details. The interior was accessed by a wide staircase decorated with figures of four Atlases supporting a balcony. Above was a semicircular pediment with a clock. The interior was captivating with stuccoed, panelled, richly decorated ceilings and an astonishing staircase. The ballroom was distinguished by Rococo-style decorations and luxurious furnishings. The palace housed collections of works by Titian, Rubens and Cranach, as well as Meissen porcelain and costly tapestries. At the back of the chateau was an extensive French garden, transformed into a landscaped park in the 19th century. In former times it was decorated with numerous fountains, statues and elaborately shaped flower beds.

Brühl Palace in Brody: destructionand ongoing reconstruction

After the war, the palace remained in ruins. In 1946, the Brody residence was incorporated into the state property. In the 1960s and 1970s, conservation work was carried out, but it was not until 2008 that systematic reconstruction of the complex was undertaken. The new owner, Maciej Jusiel, initiated the renovation, restoring the outbuildings, which now house a hotel and a restaurant, to their former glory. In 2013, the reconstruction of the roof of the main building was completed, and in the following years architectural details were gradually restored, including the clock in the tympanum. Today, the main body of the palace is still in ruins, but is systematically undergoing restoration work. The restored outbuildings welcome visitors, and a stable and boarding house for horses operate within the complex. Walking through the former park avenues, one can admire the preserved elements of the former garden composition, feel the spirit of bygone eras and appreciate the efforts of the owners who are trying to restore the place to its former glory.

Source: zabytek.pl, palaceiparki.pl, ziemialubuska.pl