Visitors enter through an ornate gate, with a grand courtyard ahead and, at its far end, an opulent palace whose two semi-circular wings appear to embrace the surrounding landscape. It is possible to imagine being a guest of the Raczyński counts, the historic owners of Rogalin Palace. Today, the palace is a branch of the National Museum. Outstanding architecture and beautiful interiors are just the beginning – Rogalin Palace also features a picture gallery, a French garden, an English landscape park with 800-year-old oak trees, and a carriage house.
At the Raczyński counts’ Residence
The neoclassical residence, incorporating Baroque elements, was built at the end of the 18th century by Kazimierz Raczyński, Governor General of the Wielkopolska Region. From that period, the representative courtyard and the French garden behind the palace have been preserved. The complex was significantly expanded by Count Edward Raczyński, Kazimierz’s grandson, when the English landscape park was created, along with the Church of St Marcellinus – modelled on the Roman temple in Nîmes.
The palace interiors have been thoroughly restored and are open to visitors. The tour includes the bedrooms of the owners and their children, the former ballroom, now converted into an armoury, and a spectacularly designed library. Furniture, wallpapers, and other elements of the décor have been meticulously restored, while the walls are adorned with numerous works of art. The library is particularly striking and could easily serve as a set for a period drama or fantasy film.
Visitors can also see the family portrait gallery and the study of Edward Bernard Raczyński, President of the Republic of Poland in exile, whose study was transferred here from London during the communist era.
Gallery of paintings
Adjacent to the palace is the gallery of paintings created by Edward Aleksander Raczyński, a distinguished art connoisseur. The gallery presents around 300 works, including pieces by Jacek Malczewski, Olga Boznańska, Aleksander Gierymski, Leon Wyczółkowski, and Stanisław Wyspiański. The Rogalin Gallery also holds the largest canvas by Jan Matejko – Joan of Arc.
Ancient oaks
The English landscape park, created during the time of Count Edward Raczyński, is best known for its ancient oak trees. The oldest are around 500 years old, with some reaching up to 800 years. Particularly famous are the oaks named Lech, Czech, and Rus – after the three Slavic brothers from legend. The fourth, the Edward Oak, was named in honour of the count. In total, around 1,500 monumental oaks grow in Rogalin.
The park merges seamlessly into the Warta riverside floodplain forests, home to countless magnificent trees. Visitors should look out for the Eagle Oak, whose shape resembles an eagle taking flight; it is one of the most photographed trees in Rogalin.
