Travelling around Poland, after all, means constantly discovering fascinating places that conceal a rich history and extraordinary architectural beauty. Do you know how many such treasures are still waiting to be better known?

One of them, often still off the main tourist routes, is the picturesquely situated palace in Bojadły. This former residence of the once powerful von Kottwitz family in Silesia, surrounded by a charming park, is a place that is certainly worth a visit (who would have thought how much history one place hides!).

Today we want to take you on a journey through the centuries to find out the secrets of this unique building, its architecture and its contemporary fate. We will show you what Bojadła and its surroundings have to offer to those who decide to come here. Take a virtual tour of the palace in Bojadła, a place full of history and, most importantly, hope for the future.

The history of Bojadła Palace: from the residence of the von Kottwitz family to the present day

The history of the Bojadła palace is long and, it is safe to say, eventful. It is closely linked to the history of the noble families that have owned it over the centuries, changing like a kaleidoscope.

Its origins go back much earlier than the present building, and the fate of the mansion truly reflects the complex history of the entire region.

The beginnings and first owners: Adam von Kottwitz and his successors

The history of the Bojadła palace actually begins in 1707. It was then that Adam von Kottwitz began building the original Baroque residence. It was of half-timbered construction, supposedly even decorated with a tower.

Although this first building has not survived unchanged to this day, it marked the beginning of the von Kottwitz family’s presence here for many, many years. It is worth mentioning that the Bojadel estate, together with neighbouring Konotop, had come into the possession of the Kottwitz family earlier, when Anna von Dyhrrn brought it in as a gift, marrying Sigismund von Kottwitz. Simple, right?

After Adam’s death, his older brother, David Heinrich von Kottwitz, became the heir to the Boyadell estate. It was he who basically gave the palace the shape we largely know today.

Development and reconstruction of the palace in the 18th century: David Heinrich von Kottwitz and his contribution

As already mentioned, the key figure for the current shape of the palace is David Heinrich von Kottwitz. After the fire in the earlier building, he commissioned the construction of a new residence between 1732 and 1735. In fact, it is this Baroque palace, which, according to some sources, was completed as early as 1731 (perhaps referring to an earlier stage of work?), that forms the core of the current complex.

At his behest, a two-storey building was built on a horseshoe plan with a central risalit. But it did not stop there. His son, Rudolph Gotthard von Kottwitz, who took over the Bojadły estate in 1765, also contributed significantly to the development of the entire palace complex.

According to accounts, he was the one who added the characteristic towering cordovan in front of the palace between 1734 and 1735. Rudolph Gotthard von Kottwitz cared not only for the residence, but also for the development of the village and the estate. He founded a new school in Bojadły in 1744 and a Protestant church in Bojadły between 1742 and 1744, to which, interestingly, the Prussian authorities gave their consent. He was also the founder of the palace’s Protestant library. The garden opposite the palace, then extending to the navigable canal, also testifies to the grandeur of the establishment at the time. I sometimes wonder what life was like in such a place (ah, the old days!).

Significant events and changes in the 19th century: from fires to rebuilding

The 19th century brought further changes to the history of Bojadła Palace. In 1812, there was a fire under the owner Alexander von Kottwitz (son of Adam Rudolph Karl, who had been the owner since 1777 and redecorated the garden in the late 1880s). Unfortunately, an extremely valuable family archive was destroyed in it. How many secrets could it hide?

Also in 1759, Cossack troops ransacked the palace, forcing the subsequent renovation. These were difficult times.

The 19th century also saw major transformations to the palace building itself and its surroundings. Leopold von Kottwitz, the last representative of the male line of the family on Bojadły, was the owner from 1854.

At that time, the courtyard of honour was transformed into an ornamental driveway with a circular gazebo, the outline of which still survives in the 1970s. The palace was framed by a grassy, wooded green, with a park-like setting on the north side. A steel-framed glazed veranda, still visible in Duncker’s engraving, was erected on the terrace by the west wing of the palace. In the gardens, the flower parterres were transformed into a lawn, which, in fact, changed the character of the establishment somewhat.

An ornamental brick bridge was thrown across the canal. The palace terrace was covered with climbing plants, including ivy. These changes gave the palace complex a new, more classical look, although on the lithograph in Alexander Duncker’s album, showing the façade, the towering cordegards are already obscured by trees (a bit of a pity, as it is an interesting feature).

The further fate of the palace in the 20th century: from wars to conservation efforts

In the 20th century, the fate of the Bojadły palace was turbulent, to say the least. After Leopold’s death, the estate was inherited by his daughter, Ewa von Bassewitz-Levetzow. Then, in 1904, she sold the estate to General Reinhard Gottlob von Scheffer of Berlin.

The new owner appointed F. Stoh as chief inspector of the estate, and in 1905 a certain Meißner from Bojadel was appointed treasurer of the estate, while G. Blaeschke, also from Bojadel, was appointed forest inspector. Reinhard von Scheffer, together with his family (whose family photo from 1908 has been preserved, probably taken in the reception room – a beautiful reminder!), carried out a thorough renovation of the neglected palace, removing, among other things, the glass veranda.

He renovated the facades and redecorated the interiors of the mansion. After his death in 1925, the estate passed into the hands of his son, Adolf von Scheffer, who managed it until 1945.

After the Second World War, the palace in Bojadły, like many other former German estates, changed owners and purposes in an avalanche. Between 1948 and 1950, it was home to the People’s University. Until 1952, the Municipal National Council and the “Samopomoc Chłopska” cooperative had their offices here.

The palace also housed the communal common room, called by some the “Bierut common room”. Until 1962 the manager was the Provincial Association of Communal Cooperatives “Samopomoc Chłopska” from Zielona Góra. Then the palace was used as a colony facility for the Zinc Works “Silesia” from Katowice, and later for the “Milana” Knitting Factory from Legnica.

The political transformation after 1989 led to the privatisation of the building. Can you imagine how many different stories have happened under these roofs in just a few decades?

Between 2006 and 2008, the Life for the Palace Association organised festivals with concerts in aid of its renovation – a beautiful initiative! The year 2014 proved to be a breakthrough, when Arkadiusz Michoński, who founded the Bojadła Palace Foundation, became the owner of the palace in Bojadła. It was he who undertook this seemingly titanic effort to save the monument. As a history enthusiast friend of mine says: “Every monument needs its enthusiast to survive”. Since then, conservation and restoration work has been carried out in the palace and, I must say, the results are visible.

Architecture of the palace in Bojadły: style, details and characteristic elements

The architecture of the palace in Bojadły is a fascinating mix of styles, which, incidentally, reflects its long history and numerous alterations. Despite all these changes, it has retained much of its original character as a baroque residence.

The palace’s architectural style and its evolution over the centuries

The main body of the palace, built between 1732 and 1735 by David Heinrich von Kottwitz, has a distinctly Baroque character. It is a two-storey palace on a horseshoe plan. But it is not pure Baroque.

In the 19th century, under the last Kottwitzes and the first von Scheffer, transformations were made that gave some elements a more classicist appearance. Reinhard von Scheffer, who renovated the palace from 1904 onwards, redecorated the interiors of the mansion. We can therefore speak of an evolution of style, although the Baroque roots are still, fortunately, very evident and constitute its uniqueness.

Characteristic architectural elements: from risalits to towers

The palace in Bojadły is distinguished by several characteristic architectural elements that are immediately striking. The central part of the façade features a risalit, topped by an elegant tympanum.

A terrace is placed in the line of the side wings – the perfect place for an afternoon coffee, right? An additional element, and a very interesting one, are the towering cordegards in front of the palace, which, according to Duncker, were added by Rudolph Gotthard von Kottwitz. Werner’s engravings, published, among others, in Volume V of Topography of Silesia, show the original appearance of the palace complex including these towers.

Friedrich Zimmermann’s description of the late 18th century mentions two towers at the entrance to the palace courtyard, one decorated with a sundial and the other with a striking clock (a practical solution, no question!). The cordegards had quadrilateral, bulbous helmets with towering lanterns of cubic shape, which gave them, and the whole establishment, a lightness.

Stucco, detailing and ornamentation: the wealth of decoration on the facade and interior

What draws particular attention in the architecture of the Bojadła chateau is the absolutely stunning wealth of ornamentation. The façade of the palace was covered with Rococo decoration, and its author was the famous stucco artist Dominicus Merck, who worked in Silesia, including at the Henryków Abbey (a great expert, you can see!). J. Gernat’s findings were used to identify the author of these works.

Above the window openings were, interestingly, rich stucco. During the conservation and restoration work carried out since 2014, the original architectural decoration of the façade is being restored and the rich stucco decoration is being conserved. This is a job for true artists-conservators.

The stucco over the window openings is undergoing sculptural reconstruction. The original colours of the stucco fragments, such as the fruit basket and the game birds, are being restored. The stone balustrade of the terrace and the steps leading to the terrace are also undergoing conservation and restoration work. When I see such details being restored, I always wonder how much work and passion went into them both centuries ago and today (as in the case of this project!).

Inside the palace, especially in the representative hall on the ground floor, some of the oldest elements of Baroque decoration can be found. Hans Lutsch’s inventory of Silesian monuments from 1891 mentions, among others, a fireplace with rich Baroque forms, a carved Rococo frame for a family portrait, a tapestry depicting a shepherd’s scene or Wedgwood tableware (real treasures!).

In the reception room (drawing room), where the von Scheffer family was photographed in 1908, panels with gilded frames of a classicist character are visible. Conservation research also revealed the original 18th-century painting decoration of the rooms at ground level. This was in the form of Ionic columns and a background in a uniform shade of purple – quite unusual, isn’t it?

A stucco decoration in the form of shells was reproduced above the fireplace hearth. Although some elements, such as the styleless wooden entrance portal from 1996 with a fragment of panelling and a cornice with dentil and yolk, have unfortunately not survived to the present day, traces of the former splendour can still be discovered in the palace. It is fascinating!

The palace interiors: original finishes and current state of preservation

The current state of preservation of the interiors of the palace in Bojadły is quite varied, which, as we already know, reflects its complicated post-war fate. Some of the original finishes have been destroyed or lost. Hardly surprising, looking at its history.

However, thanks to ongoing conservation work, valuable details are slowly being uncovered and protected. The aforementioned conservation research has revealed this 18th-century painting decoration in the ground floor, which is really an extremely exciting discovery for conservators and art historians.

The fireplace in the representative hall is one of the best-preserved Baroque elements. Although the salon now has vertical cracks and ducts poking through from under the plaster – well, a monument is a monument – there is the potential to uncover former polychromes under the layers of paint.

Rococo carvings, similar to the stucco on the facades, with floral shoots and rocaille motifs, may have adorned the interiors, as in the Audience Hall in the royal residence in Wrocław – this gives us some idea of the scale of the decorations.

Currently, the interiors at ground level are open to the public, allowing a peek into the past and seeing the effects of the first restoration measures. This is an important step to show the progress of the work.

The palace and park complex in Bojadła: park, gardens and outbuildings

After all, the palace in Bojadła is not only the building itself, but also the surrounding palace and park complex, which has also undergone many changes over the centuries. It consists of a historic park, gardens and outbuildings – the entire complex is a key component.

Description of the park and its historical setting: from geometrical compositions to the present-day landscape

The 2.1 ha chateau park has a really long history. Its geometrical layout was created in the first half of the 18th century, probably in the same period as the Baroque palace. Around 1770, the park was fenced off.

Friedrich Bernhard Werner’s engravings from around 1745, published, among others, in Topografia Śląska (Topography of Silesia), depict the original layout of the palace complex and allow us to imagine its appearance in the 18th century. Friedrich Zimmermann’s description from the end of the 18th century mentions the garden opposite the palace. It was divided into a flower and vegetable section, reaching all the way to the navigable canal. Or was it rather the canal that reached the garden?

In the 19th century, the park-garden setting was transformed, acquiring a more landscape character. The flower parterres were transformed into a lawn. Today, the park is a valuable complement to the palace, although it requires, it can be seen, further restoration work to regain its former splendour. It is a huge amount of work.

Outbuildings and their history: from outbuildings to farm buildings

The palace complex also includes outbuildings – an integral part of any major estate. Next to the palace are the brick outbuildings, built in classicist style in the early 19th century.

Further on there is a complex of walled farm buildings, grouped around a rectangular courtyard. These include a coach house dating from the 18th to 19th century, a quadrangle with an outbuilding dating from around the mid-19th century and a barn dating from the late 19th century. The estate also included other buildings, including dwellings for the workers. These buildings testify to the economic character of the estate in former times and are an integral part of the historic setting. They have their own, somewhat austere, charm.

The courtyard garden: its former layout and contemporary appearance

The chateau garden, originally laid out anew at the end of the 1880s, according to Friedrich Zimmermann’s description, included, impressively enough, an orangery, described as opulent and in the best equipment. The garden included a wide canal on which one could sail a boat, and a game enclosure where deer and roe deer were kept (can you imagine that?).

As mentioned, the gardens got a new look in the 19th century, with lawns instead of flower parterres. Nowadays, the gardens and park need, frankly, comprehensive care to restore their historic setting and beauty. Now, encouragingly, work is underway to revitalise these areas.

Canals, pools and other water elements in the palace complex

Water elements played, and still play, an important role in the historic setting of the palace and park complex. The already mentioned wide canal, on which it was possible to sail a boat, testifies to the extent of the former garden. In the palace park in the first half of the 18th century, the canals and pools were symmetrically arranged as part of the geometrical composition.

Although the modern landscape of the park may differ from the original layout, the presence of the canal and bridge is a reminder of the former, well thought-out water elements. These elements were crucial to the aesthetics but also to the functionality of the Baroque park. They formed a kind of water labyrinth.

Bojadła Palace Foundation: efforts to protect and restore the monument

The fate of the Bojadła Palace has taken a really positive turn since 2014, all thanks to the involvement of the private owner, Arkadiusz Michoński. It was he who set up the Bojadła Palace Foundation, which, it must be made clear, is making a huge effort to save this valuable monument.

The foundation’s aims and tasks: protecting the region’s cultural heritage

The main aim and objective of the Bojadła Palace Foundation is, of course, to protect the cultural heritage of the region, with particular emphasis on the palace in Bojadła and its surroundings. But it is more than that.

The Foundation promotes the residential monuments of the Middle Rhineland and supports their owners in making them accessible. The Foundation’s activities are aimed not only at the physical rescue of the historic substance, but also at restoring the memory of the history of this place and its significance for the local community and the region as a whole. It is awareness-building, which is equally important.

Foundation projects and activities: from conservation work to education

The Foundation’s detailed activities are, I must admit, impressive and multifaceted. Since 2014, intensive conservation and restoration work has been carried out at the building – a process that is ongoing and requires a huge amount of investment.

It has already been possible to stabilise the roof and ceiling structure, which is crucial for safety. Renovation of the window woodwork has been carried out. The Baroque main doors have been protected and conserved, restoring them to their original beautiful colours in shades of red.

Work is underway to restore the original architectural decoration of the façade and to conserve the rich stucco decoration. The stucco over the window openings is being reconstructed, and the colouring of details such as the fruit basket and the hunting fowl are being restored. The stone balustrade of the terrace and steps are also being conserved.

Conservation research in the interiors has revealed and protected the original 18th-century painting decoration in the ground floor. The stucco decoration in the form of a shell above the fireplace hearth has been restored. Although this is a huge amount of work, it is only part of the activities.

The Foundation is also involved in educational and cultural activities. For example, it took part in the European Heritage Days 2016, preparing an exhibition entitled ‘The Residences of the Middle Rhineland and their famous inhabitants’, for which it received a commendation from NID – this shows that their work is being recognised at a national level.

The interiors at ground level are now open to the public, allowing direct contact with the restored monument and seeing the progress of the work. This allows you to feel the atmosphere of the place.

In fact, looking at this range of activities, one can only admire the Foundation’s determination. Despite the challenges, step by step they are bringing the palace back to life.

The foundation’s cooperation with other institutions and organisations

The success of the Bojadła Palace Foundation largely depends on cooperation. Good relations with the National Heritage Institute (NID), local authorities (Bojadła municipality, Zielona Góra poviat, Lubuskie voivodeship), historians and conservationists are absolutely essential for carrying out the work and, equally importantly, raising funds.

The award from NID for participation in the European Heritage Days 2016 demonstrates the appreciation of the Foundation’s work on a national level. Historical studies, such as those created by Dr Krzysztof Garbacz and updated by Karolina Idryjan of OT NID in Zielona Góra, provide essential knowledge for planning and implementing conservation projects – without this knowledge it would be wandering in the dark.

The register and records of monuments are, of course, the legal basis for the protection of an object. Collaboration with such entities is crucial for the effective protection and promotion of heritage.

Opportunities to support the foundation and get involved

Saving such a huge monument as the palace in Bojadły requires, and this can be seen at first glance, considerable resources and support. The foundation works with great dedication, but the scale of the challenge is enormous.

The Bojadła Palace Foundation certainly offers various opportunities to support its activities, whether financially or through volunteering (if you have the time and inclination, how about something for you?). Getting involved in such initiatives is a wonderful way to contribute to the preservation of history and beauty for future generations. How many people can say they have contributed to saving the palace?

By visiting the palace, participating in events organised by the Foundation, or simply spreading awareness of the place – every such action helps to restore and promote it. The palace in Bojadła is still waiting for those who want to help it regain its former glory.

Bojadła: the village and the area around the palace

Let us move for a moment to the village of Bojadła itself and its charming surroundings to highlight its importance in the context of the palace and park complex. It is here, in the district of Zielona Góra, in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, that the heart of the story beats.

Location and access to the palace: how to get to Bojadła

The village of Bojadła, which is the seat of the municipality of Bojadła, is, importantly for tourists, easily accessible, which favours tourism. It lies in the district of Zielona Góra, in the Lubuskie Voivodeship.

Its location near Zielona Góra and the region’s main roads makes it easy to plan a trip. It is, of course, worth checking on a map how to most conveniently reach the palace in Bojadła to fully enjoy your visit (public transport can be a challenge if you are up for it!). The palace, located at 1 Kościelna Street, whose exact address with postcode can be easily found, is the central point of the village, easy to find.

Tourist attractions in the area: what to see near the chateau

The surroundings of the Bojadła palace are not only historical residences, although the Bojadła Palace Foundation has prepared an exhibition entitled “Residences of the Middle Vistula River and their famous inhabitants”, which suggests that there are more interesting historical buildings in the region worth visiting.

The landscape of the Middle Vistula, shaped by the Oder and Obra rivers, also offers opportunities for active recreation – walks, bike rides or simply moments of relaxation in nature (perfect for a weekend!). It is worth looking for information on local hiking trails and natural curiosities. Nearby towns connected with the history of the region and the von Kottwitz family (such as neighbouring Konotop) may also be of interest to history buffs.

Keep in mind that the region borders the province of Brandenburg and the province of Poznan, which can influence the cultural and historical richness of the area. There is always something to discover if you just look around.

Life and culture of Bojadel: history and present day of the village

For centuries, the life of Bojadel was concentrated around the manor and the estate. The history of the village, shaped by the presence of the Count von Kottwitz family and the later owners, is visible in the preserved urban and architectural elements. The village developed thanks to a functioning landed estate, including arable land, meadows, pastures, forests, waters and wastelands.

And let us not forget the industrial facilities, such as the distillery, the brewery (leased) and the brickyard, which operated as part of the estate.

The Protestant church and school founded by the Kottwitzes played an important role in the life of the community – this shows their concern for the local community, doesn’t it? The baptismal register of the Protestant church from 1765-1777 lists Christian Klatte, a mason from Bojadel, as a witness and godfather. This suggests that he may have been the contractor for the building work on the palace at that time – a small but interesting detail!

Today Bojadła is a quiet town whose cultural life is largely centred around the palace and the activities of the Foundation. There are various options for visitors to Bojadła, including potential places to stay overnight or a local restaurant. It is worth following local news and events to get a better idea of the present day Bojadłach.

Places worth visiting in and around Bojadły

A list of places worth visiting in Bojadły and the immediate area, if you are planning a visit, may include:

• The Bojadły Palace itself (be sure to take a ground floor tour to see the progress of the works!)
• The historic palace park (ideal for a walk)
• The church in Bojadły (founded by the Kottwitz family)
• Remains of the farm buildings (for those interested in the life of the former estate)
• The environs of the Obra and Oder rivers (for relaxation in nature)
• Other residential monuments of the Middle Vistula (indicated, for example, at the Foundation’s exhibition – well worth a look!).

Discovering these places, we can really feel the spirit of history and the beauty of the Lubuskie region’s landscape. Isn’t it worth spending at least one afternoon here?

Bojadła Palace: heritage and future

Looking at Bojadła Palace today, we see both the rich heritage of the past and the promising future created by the Foundation and its supporters. This monument, although badly affected by history, has a real chance to regain its former splendour.

The palace’s importance for the history and culture of the region

There is no doubt that the palace in Bojadła is of great significance for the history and culture of the region of Central nadodrze and the Lubuskie voivodeship. As a former seat of influential families, it has witnessed many important historical events.

Its architecture and decoration reflect the prevailing styles and trends. It is one of the key residential monuments in this part of Poland. Its entry in the register and records of monuments only confirms its value and the need to protect it. The palace, park and outbuildings form an integral palace-park complex, which is a valuable testimony to the past. It tells us a lot about what life was like centuries ago.

Possibilities of visiting and using the palace

The contemporary use of the palace in Bojadły focuses, for the time being, on restoring it and making it accessible. At present, it is possible to visit the interiors at ground level, which allows visitors to see the effects of the work and, after all, the scale of the challenge.

In the future, as the work progresses, the palace may become a venue for a variety of activities – from cultural events, accommodation and a restaurant (perhaps one day a small, atmospheric hotel in Bojadła will be created here?), to organising weddings and other celebrations. The potential is, to say the least, enormous, isn’t it?

Future plans: further conservation work and tourism development

Future plans focus, of course, on continuing conservation and restoration work at the palace in Bojadłach and the entire palace and park complex. Saving the roof, ceilings, elevations and interiors is a process that will be long and certainly expensive. It is a race against time and degradation.

At the same time, the Foundation aims to develop tourism and make the palace an attractive destination. Organising events, promoting it in the media, building cooperation with the local community and the tourism industry are all elements of a wider strategy. The palace in Bojadły has the potential to become a really important point on the tourist map of the Lubuskie region. Let’s hope it succeed!

Bojadła Palace – a place worth discovering and getting to know

Bojadła Palace is a place with a fascinating history, beautiful architecture and enormous potential. The activities of the Bojadła Palace Foundation offer, and this can be seen, real hope for the future of this valuable monument. This castle, or rather palace, is waiting for a second life and positive feedback from future visitors.

We cordially invite you to discover the palace in person, take a walk in the park, learn about the history of the von Kottwitz family and the von Scheffer family, and support those who are passionate about saving this extraordinary heritage. Bojadła and its palace are waiting to tell you their story.