The Lancut Castle
The castle in Lancut was built between 1629-1641 for Stanislaw Lubomirski – one of the most eminent magnates of the Republic of Poland. During this time, Lancut became one of the most beautiful aristocratic residences in Poland, and subsequently became the centre of cultural and political life. Lacut was the meeting place of crowned heads, commanders, scientists and outstanding artists from home and abroad.
This beautiful urban residence, which was constructed in the ‘palazzo in fortezza’ style, consisted of donjons at the corners and a system of ground fortifications. In the 18th century, Princess Izabela Czartoryska ordered to extend the residence in the castle style and enrich it with numerous valuable paintings and pieces of furniture. The zodiac room and Italian garden together with avenues were created next to the palace. The next reconstruction of the fortress took place during Potocki’s reign in the castle. However, the original castle interiors were preserved. At that time the sewerage system, water supply and electrical systems were installed in the residence. The palm house, orchid house, and the rose garden were built in the landscape park. During this time the stables and riding area were also constructed.
Today the Lancut estate is also considered to be one of the most beautiful residences in Poland. Visitors have access to 80 rooms in the museum where they can admire the well preserved equipment of the utility and living interiors. The exhibits include a rich collection of paintings, furniture, silver, porcelain and a magnificent book collection. Another great attraction is the collection of Orthodox art, believed to be the largest in Poland, numbering over 1000 items.
The castle in Lancut is also famous for impressive collection of carriages and horse collars, again believed to be the most impressive in the country. In the coach house one can see about 120 historic carriages. Among them are carriages used for racing, hunting and pleasure, including the carriage used by Fryderyk Chopin. The palace complex is surrounded by a beautifully preserved park, filled with avenues, fountains and sculptures. The scenery is indeed magical and it is why one can encounter numerous newlyweds who frequently chose this place for the wedding photo session.
The orchid house, which is one of the largest indoor orchid houses in Europe has been accessible to visitors since 2008. It was created in the reconstructed greenhouses of the Potocki family and numbers about 800 orchid species. The House covers an area of 640 square metres, out of which 230 square metres is used for exhibition. The remaining area is divided into three climatic zones – tropical, moderate and cold – that are appropriate for particular species. In these various conditions the flowers remain until they bloom. The blooming orchids are then moved to the exhibition room.
Lancut boasts the only museum of distillery in Poland. The museum interiors hold exhibits that reflect the activity of the privileged distillery of Liqueurs of Rosoglios and Rum of Count Alfred Potocki, both of which used to exist in Lancut. The exhibition is only accessible to organized groups with prior booking.