Prymasowski Palace

Pałac Prymasowski in Skierniewice is a baroque-neorenaissances residence that served for centuries as the summer home of the primates and archbishops of Gniezno, and today is the headquarters of the Institute of Horticulture.

Residence of the archbishops of Gniezno

The palace and park complex was built in 1610-1619 as a summer residence of the archbishops of Gniezno, the primates of Poland. The original design was executed by architect Efraim Schroeger, and the building received its final form in 1780 when an eastern axis was added and the facade was rebuilt. The palace was home to successive archbishops of Gniezno, including Ignacy Krasicki, and in later years also hosted French Marshal Louis Davout and the family of Russian tsars.

Reconstructions over three centuries

In the 18th century the palace was rebuilt and renovated several times. In the 19th century it acquired neorenaissances features, and regained its late baroque appearance, known today, during renovation in the 1960s. The interiors retain stucco and decorative elements, including a billiard room with a coffered ceiling and a plafond by Antoni Blank depicting Aurora.

Today: Institute of Horticulture

The palace currently belongs to the Institute of Horticulture – a state research institute in Skierniewice. According to descriptions of the facility it is open to visitors, particularly during Skierniewice's Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Festival, when the most events take place on and around its grounds. Outside this period it is worth checking access to the interiors in advance.

The palace surroundings

Near the palace, within the grounds of the former residential complex, are among other things a palace settlement and a 19th-century palace guardhouse. Several hundred metres further on lies Rynek w Skierniewicach [Market Square] with the Town Hall, and next to it Church of Saint James the Apostle. The history of the city and region itself is presented in the Jan Olszewski Historical Museum of Skierniewice.

Practical information

• Address: Prymasowska 6, Skierniewice.
• Getting there: the palace is within walking distance of Skierniewice city centre, several hundred metres from the market square.
• What to expect: a historic palace building with a park, headquarters of a research institute with limited access to interiors outside city events. It is worth confirming access for visiting before arrival.