Zamoyski Palace in Zamość

The Zamoyski Palace in Zamość is a historic residence of the Zamoyski family, located in the western part of the Old Town. Its history began between 1579 and 1586, when the first Renaissance building was constructed according to the design of Bernardo Morando. At that time, the palace had separate walls, two floors, and a tower, and was also surrounded by the first arsenal in Zamość. After a fire in 1658, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style with numerous modifications, and the expansion was completed between 1689 and 1690. Another significant reconstruction took place between 1747 and 1751, when the palace acquired a Late Baroque character, gaining an impressive courtyard with two longer outbuildings. After 1803, due to changes made by the 12th ordynat (entailed estate holder), the palace underwent a Neoclassical transformation. In 1821, the palace was sold to state authorities, and in 1831 it was converted into a military hospital, which led to the loss of its original appearance. However, the courtyard survived, later transformed into a garden and then into a park. In the 20th century, the palace housed courts, and its outbuilding hosted a printing house, which after World War II became the only one operating in Polish territories on the right bank of the Vistula River. In 2017, the courts were relocated, and currently, the historic building is home to the First General Secondary School, with a planned renovation of the complex. In front of the palace, there is a square with a monument of Jan Zamoyski, reflecting the intentions of its founders from years ago. The history of the palace, a symbol of Zamość, is not only about architectural transformations but also rich cultural and social events that shaped its character and significance in regional history.