The Royal Castle in Warsaw is currently undergoing extensive roof renovation work. The work began in July this year and, in accordance with the contract, is due to last until 15 December 2027. During this time, specialists will work on five wings of the building and three of the castle’s towers. The museum will remain open to visitors.
Five wings and three towers to be renovated
The scope of the work is extensive and covers the entire historic structure of the Castle. Ultimately, the roofs of the Saxon, Gothic, South, West and North wings will be renovated. The works will also cover the Clock Tower, the Władysław Tower and the Gothic Tower. Specialists will work on the ceramic roofing, as well as the wooden rafters, battens and boarding. The chimneys, guttering and flashings will also be renovated. The work is being supervised by a conservation officer. This year, the work is being carried out in stages, with safety zones designated. However, this should not hinder visits. Exhibitions, events and visitor routes remain accessible.
The Royal Castle and its roof for nearly 6 million zlotys
The scale of the investment is considerable, but the final contract price turned out to be lower than earlier estimates. The Castle had valued the contract at 9 million zł. Ten bids were submitted in the tender, with prices ranging from around 5.5 to nearly 13 million zł. Ultimately, the bid submitted by P.P.H.U. BLACHMAN Robert Dudek of Pcim, amounting to 5,938,000 zł gross, was selected. The contract was signed on 3 June 2026. The project received funding from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The completion date for the entire contract was set for 15 December 2027.
The Royal Castle in Warsaw – history
The current roof is not a historic, original part of the monument. This is because the castle was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. In September 1939, bombs fell on the building, causing a fire, whilst in September 1944, German troops blew up its walls. Reconstruction did not begin until after 1971. Professor Jan Bogusławski was appointed chief designer, and the work was carried out in collaboration with the Historic Monuments Conservation Workshop. The first stage, involving the building’s shell, was completed in 1974. In the same year, the spire reappeared on the Clock Tower, whilst the clock was put back into operation after a 35-year hiatus. The Castle’s interiors were opened to the public in 1984. The roof currently undergoing renovation is therefore part of the post-war reconstruction, as is almost the entire structure of the royal residence.
The project is important from a technical point of view, but also for the appearance and image of one of Warsaw’s main landmarks. The high sections of the roof are clearly visible from Castle Square, the Vistula, Praga and the W-Z Route. Their condition also affects the safety of the museum’s interiors. The works therefore represent an investment in the protection of the reconstructed Castle, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year.
Source:Warsaw City Hall, zamek-krolewski.pl
See also: Renovation | Villas and mansions|Historic monument|City|Warsaw|Architecture in Poland
