Saxon Palace in Kutno

The traveling palace of Augustus III in Kutno, built in 1750, is a late Baroque half-timbered structure located at 19 Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square and 2 Narutowicza Street. It was constructed during a period when the city found itself on a new postal route, creating the need for lodging accommodations for the royal court. King Augustus III commissioned the building, and the land contract was signed with the Samogitian castellan Józef Franciszek Pac. Designed by Johan Martin Walther, the palace reflects the spirit of Saxon Baroque and is laid out on a rectangular plan, featuring distinctive projections and an imperial eagle on its façade. The palace hosted numerous royal visits, with the first one taking place in April 1750. Over the years, the building underwent many modifications, including the extension of its wings and adaptations for various owners. In the 19th century, the palace was visited twice by King Frederick Augustus and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who stayed there during his retreat from Russia, earning it the nickname "Napoleon’s House." In the 20th century, the palace was repeatedly altered to suit new functions, leading to the loss of its original character. The building was declared a historical monument in 1927 and placed under conservation protection after World War II. In 2011, the palace became the property of the City of Kutno, and since 2015, revitalization works have been underway to transform it into part of a museum complex, including exhibitions dedicated to the history of the palace, Kutno, and the Duchy of Warsaw. The palace stands out for its cultural and historical significance, having witnessed important events and representing the Baroque architecture of the region.