Potocki Palace in Krzeszowice

Potocki Palace in Krzeszowice is a grand residential structure with a symmetrical layout featuring a central two-story building with four corner towers and additional wings that enclose an internal courtyard. The estate sits within a 12-hectare park designed with English garden elements and various tree species arranged around open viewing areas.

The palace was constructed between 1850 and 1857 under the direction of architect Franciszek Maria Lanci for the Potocki family. In the 1940s it was repurposed by Hans Frank, the Nazi Governor-General of occupied Poland, who added a central staircase during his tenure there.

The interior held valuable furnishings from Gdansk and featured ornate stucco work throughout the ballroom, along with an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures. These decorative elements reflected the taste and wealth of the family who called it home.

The estate is surrounded by a spacious park with walking paths and several open areas to explore. Comfortable shoes are recommended since visitors typically spend time wandering through the landscaped grounds.

A central staircase added by Hans Frank, the Nazi Governor-General during occupation, remains a physical reminder of the site's difficult past. This architectural alteration serves as a silent testament to the complex history that unfolded within these walls.