Brynek

Brynek is a sołectwo (administrative village unit) in the Silesian Voivodeship, known for its rich history and architecture. In the 17th century, it was owned by the Verdugo family and later by Bernhard Rosenthal, who expanded the local palace in 1872. In 1904, the palace underwent a spectacular renovation commissioned by Count Hugo II Karol Henckel von Donnersmarck, resulting in an eclectic structure with neo-Baroque elements. Great attention was paid to architectural details, making the palace an impressive residence with two towers and a beautifully decorated facade. After the war, the palace became the seat of the Forestry Technical College, which led to a change in its function, and the interiors were transformed, preserving only some of the original decorative elements. The palace is surrounded by a 36-hectare park designed in the English style, home to over 400 species of beetles and many valuable trees. There is also a botanical garden and a forestry school complex. Brynek, which briefly bore the German name Brunneck, had a turbulent past, especially during World War II, when the Donnersmarck family had to leave the palace. Today, Brynek is not only a place of historical significance but also one with a rich cultural heritage that attracts history and nature enthusiasts. It is also worth adding that in 2003, the palace served as the setting for the popular television program "Sensacje XX wieku" (Sensations of the 20th Century), further highlighting its importance in Polish culture.