Park Zamkowy

Park Zamkowy w Uniejowie occupies approximately 34 hectares on the floodplain of the left bank of the Warta and surrounds the Castle of the Archbishops of Gniezno. It is a landscape park in English style, open to walkers and cyclists, under conservation protection.

Who founded the park and when

The park was created in the 19th century alongside the castle being rebuilt, most likely in the years 1860-1870 on the initiative of the castle's then owners, the Toll family, though some accounts hold that the wife of Aleksander Toll founded the park as early as 1848, as a romantic landscape park with native and foreign tree species. Aleksander Toll himself received the castle in 1836 from the Russian government in recognition of his services during the November Uprising, and it was then that he began partial reconstruction of the residence that had been destroyed earlier.

The castle around which the park grows

The castle in Uniejów was erected in the second half of the 14th century on the site of an earlier wooden stronghold, destroyed by the Teutonic Knights in 1331. It was founded by the Archbishop of Gniezno working in collaboration with Kazimierz the Great. The park surrounds this building from the river side and is closely linked to it both historically and functionally.

Trees under protection

The park is home to tree specimens designated as natural monuments: horse chestnut, pedunculate oak and common beech, as well as rarer forest floor plants. Along the park runs an educational trail called "Zieleń" with nature information boards that introduce visitors to the local flora.

Renovation 2020–2021

Uniejów commune carried out a thorough renovation of the park in 2020–2021. Dead trees were removed and approximately 60 new specimens of species already present there were planted; paths, pergolas, benches and bicycle racks were renewed. After these works, the park became more convenient for walkers and cyclists, while retaining its landscape character.

Floodplain area on the Warta

The park lies on the floodplain of the left bank of the Warta, which explains its lush, moisture-loving vegetation and the proximity of the river that can be felt at every step. This location by the water, close to the castle, was in fact one of the reasons why the area was suitable for establishing a residence as early as the Middle Ages, and later for a landscape park in the 19th century.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Zamkowa 7, Uniejów (the park surrounds the castle at the same address)
• The park is an open area without gates or admission charges, accessible for walking and cycling
• Nearby it is also worth visiting the Church-Mausoleum of Count Toll, the Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Termy Uniejów