Probably one of the best known palaces in Poland and a huge tourist magnet, that needs at least one whole day to see it all. The Rogalin Palace is located just on the outskirts of Poznań, some 20 km south from the city centre. The place is in fact not only a palace itself, but a huge lavish garden and a park, with the last featuring over 1500 ancient oaks. More, there is an art gallery, a collection of old carriages and some other old monuments. The palace is a branch of the National Museum in Poznań and is open for public all year round.
The palace
The palace in Rogalin was initially built by Kazimierz Raczyński at the end of 18th century. With some baroque features the edifice is mostly of classicist style. You enter through the main gate just to step into court d’honor. The main building is two storeys high with two surrounding outbuildings to the sides. Interiors have been recently meticulously renovated and are filled with luxurious furniture, ancient weaponry and of course numerous pieces of art. The most breathtaking room is the library, which might resemble shots from Harry Potter’s Hogwart. You can also see how the aristocracy lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pink wallpapers and elegant vanity table mark the bedroom of the lady of the house, while the cigar room reveals the place, where men used to gather.
There are also some hints of modernity, like a 100-years-old telephone and a massive safe in the administrator’s room. Walking the rooms and halls of the palace is also an unique chance to see the Raczyński face to face, as several generations of the family look down at you from the portraits. This is also a good opportunity to trace how the fashion changed throughout the years.
Sightseeing in the palace is done with an audioguide, available in eight different languages.
The art gallery
Right next to the palace stands the building housing the art gallery founded by count Edward Alexander Raczyński. Being a well-known traveller and a patron of arts Edward Raczyński bought numerous panting during his voyages. Also, he actively supported Polish artists, including the best art creators of the late 19th century: Stanisław Wyspiański, Józef Mehoffer, Józef Pankiewicz, Olga Boznańska, Julian Fałat and Leon Wyczółkowski.
The last of the exhibition rooms is dominated by the huge painting by Jan Matejko – “The Maid of Orleans”, being the largest piece of art ever created by Matejko (10m wide and 5m high).
The park
After seeing all the interiors take your steps to the garden behind the palace. Initially you will walk across a very symmetrical and organised French garden, with ancient-looking sculptures and perfectly shaped bushes and trees. The landscape changes dramatically, when you enter the English park. This one slowly melts with the surrounding forests, meadows and marshes. Several lookout points allow you to marvel the views.
The most spectacular, however are the oaks. Not just oaks, but ancient specimen, some as old as 800 years! Scientists have counted over 1500 monumental oaks growing in the woodlands surrounding Rogalin. Some stand directly in the park, to see others you need to leave it and stroll around the said woodlands and meadows. They look astonishing in every season, just bear in mind that early spring rains might cause floodings.
Practical information
Entry to the Rogalin Palace is possible only at fixed hours, so make sure to reserve some more time. On weekends and national holidays – if you’re planning to come with a larger group – it is recommended to book a ticket in advance. Usually there is no problem to enter the art gallery and the collection of carriages though. Tickets can be purchased in a ticket office right next to the parking.
The palace is open from JAN-MAY and SEP-DEC 9:00 to 16:00 and 10:00 to 17:00 JUN – AUG. Please note, that the museum Is closed on Mondays. For current ticket prices check out the Rogalin Palace official website.
For those tired of long walking there is a very nice restaurant in one of the side buildings. In the high season it’s open daily and on weekends through the rest of the year.