Municipal Park in Skierniewice

Park Miejski w Skierniewicach occupies 42 hectares in the city centre and is the only park within its administrative boundaries. It extends on both sides of the Skierniewka river, also called the Łupia, and its origins date back to when the land belonged to the archbishop's court.

How the park came about

The land was created in the 14th century as a garden at the archbishops' court. Between 1830 and 1845 it was transformed into a landscape park, in the spirit of the fashion of the time for free, naturalistic arrangements of greenery, rather than geometric French gardens.

Major redevelopment in 2014

The decision to carry out a thorough modernisation of the park was made in 2012. Work took two years, and the official opening of the renovated park took place on 16 September 2014, with the participation of Poland's president at the time, Bronisław Komorowski. Since then the park has served as Skierniewice's main green recreational space and remains the only park within the city's administrative boundaries, making it a natural point of reference for residents seeking greenery without leaving the city.

What is on the grounds

The park has lit paths, four bridges over the Skierniewka and one island in the southern section. The river divides the land into two parts, and the bridges allow free passage between them without taking a longer route. There is a chamber stage where concerts and outdoor events are held. A restaurant called Urocza once stood in the park, destroyed in the early nineteen-nineties and no longer in existence, leaving no trace in the park's landscape.

Outdoor activity

Designated paths serve walkers, cyclists, runners and people doing Nordic walking, and the lighting allows them to be used after dark as well. The park is suitable for both a short walk after work and a longer running route along the river. Nearby stand historic buildings connected with the former archbishop's residence: Pałac Prymasowski and Brama Pałacowa, as well as Willa Aleksandria, which together form a cluster of greenery and historic buildings in the centre of Skierniewice within reach of one walk.

Practicalities

• Address: ul. Sienkiewicza 1, 96-100 Skierniewice
• Getting there: entrance and parking from ul. Sienkiewicza, in the city centre
• What to expect: extensive park with walking avenues, bridges over the Skierniewka, an island and a chamber stage for concerts
• The park is accessible all year round, with no set opening hours
• Convenient starting point for visiting the surroundings of the former archbishop's residence in Skierniewice