Presidential Palace, Presidential palace in Krakowskie Przedmieście, Warsaw, Poland
The Presidential Palace is a neoclassical building on Krakowskie Przedmieście that serves as the official seat of Poland's head of state. Four stone lions guard the courtyard, while Corinthian columns define the main facade and rise across three stories.
Work on the residence began in 1643 under Stanisław Koniecpolski, who commissioned architect Constantino Tencalla to design a baroque home inspired by northern Italian models. Later renovations transformed its appearance considerably, until it gained neoclassical features during the 18th century.
The private rooms on the upper floor now host meetings with foreign diplomats, while the ground-level halls serve official receptions. The building's name changed multiple times over the centuries, depending on which family or government occupied it.
Guided tours through selected rooms are possible at certain times, and advance booking is recommended. Access to the building is through the main gate, from where a short walk across the courtyard leads to the public areas.
An eight-year-old Fryderyk Chopin gave his first public concert here in 1818, before he became world renowned. The building remained standing during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, while many other government houses fell into rubble.
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