Radzyń Podlaski
Radzyń Podlaski is a place where history and nature intertwine into one fascinating whole. Compact and charming, it offers a pearl of Baroque and Rococo architecture, rich interiors of a Renaissance church, traces of culture, natural trails, and a local atmosphere. It is a proposal for both a weekend getaway and a longer cultural and recreational stay. Here are 9 reasons to visit Radzyń Podlaski.
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1. Potocki Palace and Park Complex
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A vast Baroque and Rococo residence built from 1685 to 1709 and reconstructed in the mid-18th century by Eustachy Potocki – today compared to the Versailles of the North.
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Designed by Jakub Fontana with sculptural decoration by Jan Chryzostom Redler – a palace complex surrounding an honour courtyard and a massive garden, connected with an orangery.
PALACE HISTORY
Castle of yore – beginnings in the 16th century
The history of the residence dates back at least to 1522, when Bartłomiej Kazanowski was the starost of Radzyn. Not long after, in 1534, the Mniszech family acquired the castle, which, along with a moat and four corner towers, reflected the 'palazzo in fortezza' type – a combination of a fortress and residence.
Baroque and defensibility: reconstruction 1685–1709
At the initiative of Stanisław Antoni Szczuka, transformation began into a refined defensive palace. The designer was Augustyn Wincenty Locci the Younger, who, along with the French architect de Flenier, added towers, corner towers and an elegant projection – making the building a symbol of the fusion of strength and aesthetics.
Rococo brilliance: reconstruction 1750–1755
The peak change took place under Eustachy Potocki and his wife Marianna from Kątski. They commissioned Jakub Fontana for a thorough reconstruction. The palace took the shape of a horseshoe – with the main body connected to long wings. It was modeled on the 'entre cour et jardin' layout from Versailles.
Rich groups of stone sculptures by Jan Chryzostom Redler appeared on the facades (for example, the coats of arms of Potocki and Kątski, figures of a Cossack and a Turk), and the interiors were adorned with frescoes by Jan Bogumił Plersch, stuccoes by Józef Lappen, and stone details by Michael Dollinger.
A heavy and painful past
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1864: during the January Uprising, the Russians held a military court in the ballroom, and the cellars became a prison.
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1920: the estate passed from the Potocki, Sapieha, and Czartoryski families to Bronisław Szlubowski – the palace was then handed over to the state, and during the war and interwar periods, it served administration and military staff.
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1944: retreating Germans burned the palace, destroying the roof and interiors – the stuccoes and sculptures survived mainly due to the sturdy construction.
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From ruin to renaissance
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After 1950: the ruins were secured, and roofs were rebuilt. In the years 1960–70, the facades were renovated, and part of the palace was adapted for a court and a music school.
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2009–2023: phased conservation works – facades, sculptures, gates. In 2015, the palace was handed over to the city, gained the status of "rococo pearl" in polls, and received EU funding (over 20 million PLN). From 2021 to 2023, comprehensive revitalization of interiors and facades was conducted.
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March 17, 2024 – solemn opening of the revitalised complex
Contemporary significance and future
The palace continues to regain its long-lost glory, with plans for establishing a Museum of Sarmatian Culture. The palace spaces will also serve education and culture – a music centre, exhibitions, meetings for residents. This is also an impetus for local development: hotel and gastronomic areas and regional events.
2. Orangery – a gallery among greenery
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Built around 1756–59 as part of the palace layout, adorned with sculptures: the chariot of Apollo and putti by Redler – one of the most representative examples of Rococo in Poland.
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Today, it serves as the Radzyń Cultural Centre and an art gallery, where exhibitions and cultural events are held.
3. Church of the Holy Trinity
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Began construction in 1612, completed in 1641 – a hallmark of Lublin Renaissance along the regional trail.
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Furnishings: late Renaissance pulpit, Baroque altar, tombs of the Mniszech family in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, and paintings by Józef Buchbinder.
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The Chapel of the Lord Jesus – a place associated with the oath of the January Uprising insurgents.
4. Chapel of the Guardian Angels and Travelers’ Square
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Set between gardens and landmarks, the chapel is the arena for celebrating “Days with Angels” – a local tradition from the 17th century.
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In the centre of Radzyń, there is the Travelers’ Square – a place of inspiration, with plaques of famous explorers, including Robert Makłowicz and Nela the Little Reporter.
5. Route of Lublin Renaissance
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Radzyń is an important point on a route of about 250 km, followed by lovers of Renaissance palaces and churches.
6. Nature and recreation
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The palace park with paths and ponds is an ideal place for a walk.
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The surroundings offer bike trails, educational paths, reserves (Żurawiniec, Broszewskie Bagno), and the Białka and Bug rivers – great for kayaking and bird watching.
7. Culture and festivals
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Days of Karol Lipiński – a tribute to the renowned composer and violinist, dedicated to him is a classical music festival and concerts in the Orangery.
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Meetings with Authorial Song, satirical, folk, and photography competitions – Radzyń is vibrant with artistic life.
8. Thematic trails and city walks
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The urban trails “Strolling around Radzyń” guide tourists through the palace, church, and historic centre – ideal for a 2-hour walk.
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A guidebook with the Radzyń Tourist Badge is also published for history enthusiasts.
9. Cheeses
In Radzyń Podlaski, large dairy plants operate - SPOMLEK creating popular food products known throughout Poland.
More interesting information about Radzyń Podlaski can be found at: www.krainaserdecznosci.pl
TOUR IN RADZYŃ PODLASKI OR LUBLIN REGION? - ORDER WITH US -
