Wilanów Palace, Royal palace complex in Wilanów district, Warsaw, Poland
Wilanów Palace is a palace complex in the Wilanów district of Warsaw, with the main building spreading across three connected wings surrounded by expansive formal gardens. Sculptural decoration on the exterior walls shows royal emblems and mythological figures, while the interior rooms feature stucco work, murals, and painted ceilings.
King Jan III Sobieski commissioned architect Augustyn Locci in 1677 to build a modest summer residence that was gradually expanded over the following decades. Later owners from the Sieniawski and Lubomirski families added more wings and collections, turning it into one of the most important Baroque ensembles in Poland.
The residence takes its name from Villa Nova, an expression for a new country estate outside the city, which King Jan III. built for his family. Visitors today see the royal living style of Polish noble families, with the ceremonial halls showing the splendor of past eras while private chambers offer insight into the everyday life of rulers.
The museum offers two touring routes that lead through separate areas and each take about an hour, allowing visitors to choose according to their interest. The formal gardens are accessible through separate entrances and can be visited independently of the interior spaces.
The Garden Galleries contain original frescoes from the 17th century, some of the best-preserved wall paintings of that era in Central Europe. The depictions show a mix of ancient gods and scenes from the king's life, serving at the time as a visual program celebrating royal rule.
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