Kórnik Castle
Kórnik Castle is arguably the best-known castle in the Wielkopolska Region, which is hardly surprising given its exceptional architecture, well-preserved interiors, and the intriguing legends surrounding it. The first defensive structure was built in the mid-14th century at the initiative of the Bishop of Poznań. Over the following centuries, the fortress was transformed into the elegant residence of the Działyński counts.
The castle’s present form owes much to Tytus Działyński, who aimed to turn the family residence into a museum and publicly accessible library. In the mid-19th century, he rebuilt the castle in the English Neo-Gothic style, incorporating Oriental elements. The interiors, adapted for exhibition purposes, are filled with furniture from various periods, paintings, sculptures, militaria, and ethnographic collections.
A particularly remarkable space is the Moorish Hall, inspired by the Lions Courtyard of Spain’s Alhambra and richly influenced by the art of Muslim Spain and North Africa. Beneath the tower, another room displays ethnographic and natural history collections brought from Australia and Oceania.
The White Lady
Kórnik Castle is inseparably linked with the legend of the White Lady – Teofila Działyńska-Potulicka – who gazes at visitors from her portrait, dressed in a flowing white gown. According to the tale, at midnight she steps out of the frame and meets a mysterious rider on a black horse in the park.
Kórnik Arboretum
Behind the castle lies the Kórnik Arboretum, covering 50 hectares, making it the fourth largest in Europe. It is also the oldest arboretum in Poland. The arboretum is particularly stunning in spring, when lilacs, azaleas, and rhododendrons are in bloom, and during this time special events are organised. Admission is charged, but once you have a ticket, you may stay for as long as you wish.
