Palace in Pogrzebień

The Palace in Pogrzebień is a Neo-Renaissance building located in the Silesian Voivodeship, Racibórz County, constructed in 1858. Initially a single-story structure, it underwent a major renovation between 1885 and 1886, which gave it an Italian villa style. The addition of a second floor was highlighted by the installation of valuable marble staircases. The history of the palace is closely tied to the Larisch family and later the Baildon family; it was Artur von Baildon who purchased it for his son. In 1915, the estate passed into the hands of Jadwiga Voigt, and after being sold to the company "Ślązak," the palace became the property of the Salesian Order in 1930. They transformed it into a Minor Seminary. During World War II, the palace served as a transit camp for re-emigrants and a camp for children. After the war, the building was occupied by the Salesian Sisters, who acquired the property in 1946. It was here that Sister Laura Meozzi, a well-known figure associated with the Salesians, passed away. The palace grounds are home to an impressive ash tree, considered the oldest and thickest tree in the municipality, with a trunk circumference exceeding 5 meters, making it one of the most valuable trees in Poland. The Palace in Pogrzebień is thus a site of rich history, remarkable architecture, and cultural significance, which continues to attract attention to this day.