Anna and Erazm Jerzmanowski Park in Prokocim

Prokocim is a village with a rich history, most likely founded by Kraków Bishop Prokop around 1295. In the 16th century, there was a manor farm here, and the area of the present-day park featured ponds and orchards. In the 18th century, the village came into the hands of the Wodzicki family, who built a brick manor house and an Italian-style garden, which formed the foundation of today's park. After subsequent renovations in the 19th century, particularly under the direction of Karol Knaus, a neoclassical palace and an English-style park with pathways and diverse trees were created. In 1895, the estate passed into the hands of Erazm Jerzmanowski, who further enriched the park by adding an orangery and fishponds. After his death in 1909, the estate was sold to the Augustinians, who established a school for boys and founded a new parish. During both World Wars, the palace served various military functions. In 1950, the estate was taken over by the state, and the palace housed an orphanage until 2003. In 1966, the park was converted into a municipal park, resulting in the destruction of many of its original features. Later, between 2002 and 2020, it underwent revitalization, during which new trees and shrubs were planted, and the infrastructure was modernized. Today, the park hosts astronomy lectures, and the palace-park complex, listed in the register of historical monuments, attracts history and architecture enthusiasts. Notable features include a restored fountain designed by Professor Wiktor Zin, which previously stood in the Main Market Square, and a monument to Erazm Jerzmanowski, unveiled in 2010. Prokocim is not only a place with a rich past but also a space for social, cultural, and environmental activities.