Not far from Rseszow lies the Castle of Lancut. (Pronounced wansoot)…read more
The castle was first built between 1629 and 1642 as a defensive fortress. It became one of Polands and perhaps europes most impressive residences with strong links to the Habsburgs and other upper crust families.
The Potocki family, it's final dynastic owners, engaged the elite crafts people of europe to continue renevations, including indoor heating and plumbing, up until they fled in 1944.
After housing German troups, the building was handed over as a museum to the Polish people and has been maintained as such ever since, with most of its treasures intact, including a stagering array of paintings and artifacts.
I was blown away by this place. It had a similar wow factor to visiting the Al Hambra in Spain. Castle Lancut though has an entirely lived in feel to it. Conferences and banquets still take place in the main dining hall. Classical music was being practiced for a concert that evening in the music room. All the furniture is intact as though it was only abandend yesterday.
It's two big to describe in detail but I'll give three highlights. One was the private indoor theatre. Apparantly unique in Poland (Did the guide say europe?) A fully decked out theatre that still had the sets in place from its last production. There is even an orchastra pit. (How rich can people be??)
The biggest collection of private carriages in the world. In itself a bit boring - but they are overlooked by the stuffed heads of every wild animal you could think of from africa. Including a Girraffe. (What else do you give the person who has everything?)
Thirdly the strory of the kidnapped child..you'll have to visit to find out about that one.
Tours can be organised in various languages and like everything else in Poland they are priced very reasonably.
The grounds are also spectacular and a picnic would be a great idea.
