"Versailles of Podlasie" - Branicki Palace in Białystok
Branicki Palace in Białystok is one of the most appealing historic buildings in Podlasie land and one of the best-preserved aristocratic residences from Saxon times in Poland. Palace complex in Białystok is also one of the most beautiful baroque mansions in East Europe. The design of the residence refers to Baroque palaces of French kings and led to naming the Bialystok palace the "Polish Versailles", or “Versailles of Podlasie”.
The palace was designed and built between 1743 and 1750 by Jan Zygmunt Deybel for Count Jan Klemens Branicki, Great Crown Hetman and patron of art and science, raised in the French milieu of the Polish aristocracy. Branicki was one of the wealthiest Polish magnates in the 17th century. It was an owner of 12 towns, 257 villages and 17 palaces (including the palace in Choroszcz, see: Palace in Choroszcz - summer residence of hetman Branicki). The form of the palace in Białystok reflects hetman’s royal ambitions. In 1763–1764 he ran in the election of the King of Poland but was beaten by his brother-in-law Stanisław Poniatowski.
The late Baroque style of the Branicki Palace is evident: two large wings are at right angles to the body of the main building and a large courtyard and portico columns adorn the palace from the side facing Podwale Street. The roofline is an Italianate balustrade that masks a low attic story, and the heroic sculptural group of Atlas crowning all. Visitors enter the palace complex through the entrance gate named “Griffin” (coming from Branicki coat of arms). Beautiful sculptures by Jan Chryzostom Redler were placed on the Podwale Street side in 1750.
Between 1771-1804 the palace was an important centre of the cultural life of Poland, thanks to receptions and events held by Princess Izabella Branicka. In September 1939, the building was burned by the German occupiers, and then completely destroyed. After the Word War II, it was reconstructed based on designs by Borys von Zinserling, and it then became a state building, housing different offices. The heritage of Jan Klemens Branicki is continued currently by the Medical University of Bialystok, which is the owner of the residence since 1950.
Branicki Palace is surrounded by the best-preserved Baroque park in Poland. French garden is made of labyrinths, fountains and boxwood hedges. Its main avenue leads through a bridge over the water container which used to be an element of the former castle bastion. In the neighbourhood of the French park, there is another one kept in the English style. Other outbuildings include the Arsenal (1755), Orangery and Italian and Tuscan Pavilions.
See other beautiful places in the Podlasie region:
- "Versailles of Podlasie" - Branicki Palace in Białystok
- Palace in Choroszcz- Summer residence of hetman Branicki
- Supraśl - the pearl of Podlasie region
- Supraśl Lavra - important site of Orthodox culture in Poland
- Kruszyniany - Tatar village where Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox live together
- Pentowo - European Stork Village
- "The Great Synagogue" in Tykocin, Poland
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Excellent photos of this incredible place. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletesuch old buildings - love seeing things like this!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a magnificent palce and gground to visit. STUNNING. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful palace! Its amazing how many castles around Europe were influenced by French/English style gardens! #WkendWanderlust #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeletePiękne miejsce, Twoje zdjęcia jeszcze dodają mu majestatu
ReplyDeleteYour photography is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Another beautiful Polish destination! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely place-thanks!
ReplyDeleteLoving the symmetry of the the palace and the composition of your photos. Great travel inspiration (can you believe I have never been to Poland?).
ReplyDeleteThanks and greetings from Luxembourg #theweeklypostcard
Wonderful photos and perspectives of this recreated grand palace. I am happy that the people chose to rebuild the palace after its destruction so new generations can enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful architecture and fabulous shots.
ReplyDeleteSuch an impressive building with quite a history to tell
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I was in Poland this summer but I didn't know about the palace, I need to add it on my list for future visits :) #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent building. Thank you for sharing its history.
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful old architecture is incredible.
ReplyDeleteWhat a most beautiful palace and garden. Your photos are great.
ReplyDeleteWow this palace is really striking. You made some amazing photos of it and had really great light. Love the clouds kn the sky as well. Thank you for linking in with Through My Lens.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
What a gorgeous palace! Reminds me of one I saw in Vienna!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous photos of this wonderful place and park. Amazing !
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Synnöve
Really enjoyed this most interesting and historical feature. The detail work is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe Barque palace is certainly beautiful. How sad it was destroyed in WW II. There must have been talented craftsmen to rebuild it. Great photo tour.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful palace! Lovely clouds! … How long do you stand waiting for the crowds to clear? ;) Or are you just lucky, sometimes? :)
ReplyDeletePięknie pokazana dostojna budowla. Bardzo dynamiczne niebo świetnie równoważy energię zdjęę. Pozdrawiamy
ReplyDeleteMagnificent buildings, and so glad that they rebuilt it after world war II! Wonder what you had to do to capture the statues on top! The black gazebo (?) is strikingly beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this palace and grounds with ALL SEASONS! Wishing you a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/11/ein-karem-birthplace-of-st-john-baptist.html
Wow!! How amazing!!
ReplyDeleteFanTasTic. I love that the mansion is yellow.
ReplyDeleteI am speechless looking at the beauty of this place. it is truly a gem! Reminds me a bit of Schonbrunn. #WordlessWednesday
ReplyDeleteOh my! It reminds me so much of Versailles!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Wordless Wednesday!
Piękne miejsce, świetne fotografie.
ReplyDeleteStunning set of images. Thank you for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's quite a palace!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots of place. Very colourful.
ReplyDeleteWow, truly majestic shots!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful palace and garden. Great shots :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous skies and building! #PhotoFriday
ReplyDeleteSuch a fabulous area. The architecture just blows me away.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteOnce again such amazing buildings.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of this amazing place!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with the Travel Tuesday meme, hope to see you join me there again this week.
Poland is beautiful country. I live there and I love mountain countryside. There are a lot of photos in my blog from my country. Join?
ReplyDeleteHorrendous to think it was burned down during the war.. beautifully restored and shown here 😊
ReplyDelete