The palace and park complex in Dobra

The Dobra Palace and Park Complex (German: Schloß Dobrau) is a neo-Gothic structure built between 1857 and 1860 on the site of an earlier Baroque palace from 1750. It served as the seat of the Redern and Seherr-Thoss families and is located in the Opole Voivodeship, in the municipality of Strzeleczki. Designed by architect Gottgetreu, the palace combines Baroque and neo-Gothic elements, which is evident in its diverse, segmented structure with a distinctive cylindrical tower. The palace’s surroundings, designed by Gustav von Meyer, form a romantic landscape park featuring various neo-Gothic structures. The history of the palace is rich and tragic: after World War II, the castle was destroyed, fell into ruin, and its interiors were looted by locals. It was not until 2001 that the property was repurchased by a private investor, saving it from complete destruction, and restoration work has been ongoing since 2002. The park hosts artistic painting plein-airs, attracting artists from all over Poland. An interesting historical tidbit is the story of Countess Muriel White Seherr-Thoss, who tragically ended her life out of fear of Gestapo repression. Today, the complex attracts tourists, and its architecture and rich history make it a unique place that blends art, history, and nature.