Garden of the Senses

The Garden of the Senses in Poddębice is a historic park surrounding the Renaissance Pałac Grudzińskich [Grudziński Palace], arranged as a sensory space with small architectural elements engaging touch, smell, hearing, sight and sense of balance.

Renaissance palace in the background

Construction of the Pałac Grudzińskich, beside which the garden lies, began around 1610 at the initiative of the Rawski voivode [regional administrator] Zygmunt Grudziński, and was completed by his son Stefan. The Renaissance palace is considered one of the most beautiful structures of that era in central Poland. It comprises a rectangular main body, a five-storey tower 17 metres high topped with a balustrade helm, and an octagonal chapel, which together create a distinctive, recognisable silhouette visible from a distance.

Park spanning five hectares

The historic park surrounding the palace, where the Garden of the Senses has been arranged, covers approximately 5 hectares. Within its area are placed small architectural elements allowing visitors to experience the surroundings through different senses: paths and installations engaging touch, smell, hearing, sight and sense of balance, which sets this area apart from a typical city park and makes it an attractive place for walks for families with children.

Neighbourhood

In the immediate vicinity of the palace and garden stand a former evangelical chapel after renovation, the Integracja Theatre and the Thermal Waters Drinking Hall, which allows visitors to combine a walk through the garden with visits to several other places without changing location. The entire complex is accessible for people with disabilities.

Practical information

• Address: Adama Mickiewicza 9/11, Poddębice.
• Getting there: the palace and park area lies in the centre of Poddębice, within walking distance of the city market square.
• What to expect: extensive park with views of the Renaissance palace, sensory paths for children and adults, proximity to a theatre and thermal waters drinking hall. Accessibility and opening hours of the garden area are worth checking before your visit.