Sobanski Palace in Guzow

The Sobański Palace in Guzów is a historic residence considered one of the most interesting neo-Renaissance buildings in Mazovia, erected in the 19th century. Initially, the Guzów estate was a princely domain, and its history dates back to the late Middle Ages when it passed into the hands of various owners, including Andrzej Ogiński. From his time comes the late Baroque manor house where the composer Michał Kleofas Ogiński was born. In the 18th century, the estate came into the possession of the Łubieński family and later the Sobański family. Feliks Sobański carried out a significant reconstruction, transforming the manor into a palace in the French neo-Renaissance style, adding attractions such as an orangery and an extensive English park. Architecturally, the palace gained elaborate elevations, including a portico with Doric columns and intricate ornamentation. The garden surrounding the palace was divided into a scenic section and a landscape section, enriched with ponds and tennis courts. After World War I and World War II, the palace suffered destruction, being the site of military operations and subsequent looting. After the war, the estate was nationalized, and the palace was converted into offices and apartments. In 1996, the Sobański family regained the palace, which for years required intensive renovation and conservation work. Efforts are currently underway to revitalize it. The palace has also gained popularity in mass culture, serving as a filming location for movies, series, and music videos. Interestingly, despite numerous damages, valuable works of art associated with this place have survived to this day, and the palace plays an important role in the memory of the local community.