Parthemores in Poland

The palace in Rogalin is very close to Poznań and is listed in every guide book about Poland.  So why hadn’t we been there?  Well, it was closed for restorations for over a year and just reopened in September. 

This was the home of the Raczyński family, one of the most famous families in Poland. 

The last owner, Edward Raczyński, was also the fourth president of the Polish Government in Exile.  When the Nazis invaded in WWII, the Polish government fled to London.  Even after the war, the government remained in exile during Communist rule. 

Upon his death (at the age of 102!), he bequeathed the palace to the people of Poland.  Most of this beautiful palace is empty.  There is one hallway with family portraits, as well as a display of Edward’s personal things.  They even recreated his London apartment.

While they are still restoring the area immediately around the palace, most of the grounds are beautiful as well.  Behind the palace is a baroque garden.

Further along the property, there are three oak trees that are over 1,000 years old.  They are named Lech, Czech, and Rus, after the three brothers who founded the Slavic nations. 

I like how this one has the crutches supporting the limbs.  One of the others didn’t have any leaves at all.  Maybe they use the same landscaper as Ron White:

The property also features an art gallery.  While most of the art wasn’t anything special, there was a Jan Matejko painting that was being restored.

Most of Matejko’s works illustrate great moments in Polish history.  However, this painting was a depiction of Joan of Arc.  We couldn’t get too close, but even from several feet away the amount of detail was impressive.  I definitely want to go back when it is all finished!