I wanted to spend the long weekend in Zakopane, Tatra Mountains but it didn’t take place in the end… So, I went to one of my favorite places in Warsaw to celebrate 1st May (Labor Day). This post will tell you why it’s worth to see Royal Łazienki when you visit the capital city of Poland.

First of all, it’s the most beautiful park you can find in my city. It’s pretty big and there are many buildings to visit if you like sightseeing (7 buildings). If you wanna spend the day close to nature and the place full of history, then you got to choose this place as ‘must see’.

It all begins in 17th century but the today state we owe mainly the last king that bought these grounds in 18th century – Stanisław August Poniatowski. The last king… Because Poland lost independence for 123 years after his reign. The good thing is that he loved art and artists and his protection and passion left many fruits of it for prosperity. So, people can hate him but can also love him. But let’s go back to Royal Łazienki now… It’s also the place where the November Uprising started in 1830. The first bigger attempt of regaining independence. So, this place is not just an architectonic work of art representing the era called Enlightenment but it’s also the symbol of patriotism to Poles.

Alright. Now let me show you few pics from the park that I’ve taken on Monday.

I went to three buildings to see temporary expositions but let me show you how one of those places looks like from inside. It’s the The Myślewicki Palace, the place where Józef Poniatowski, king’s nephew, was staying in summer seasons.

Józef Poniatowski is mainly known for two things – many loud love affairs and being the Marshal of France. When Napoleon Bonaparte was trying to conquer the half of Europe, his was standing by his side and his army too. Because Napoleon created a little country and he was the main leader of the army there. Another important Polish army that was founded in Italy and was supporting the French one is called Polish Legions in Italy. The leader of it was Jan Dąbrowski. Many people believed that Bonaparte would help Poland to become independent again but well… It ended the way it ended. I mean Grand Duchy of Warsaw existed only 8 years… It was just a short episode of history but we, Poles, got another important national symbol. It’s impossible to forget about it since the song that was sung by those soldiers in Italy is our National Anthem now… More about it tomorrow!

You can also see there the bedroom where the Józef Poniatowski was sleeping.

The last thing to mention is the Kubicki Stables. You can see couches there, but I wanted to see the second temporary exposition. VR googles made me feel like I was standing in the baroque church that can be found in Lwów (Lvov, Ukraine). What a pity that such a beautiful temple just after the renovation of Polish/Ukrainian team had to meet closely with the war nowadays…

Anyways… You want to see more? Then you must visit this place! Let me remind you – it’s the Royal Łazienki in Warsaw.

P.S. Funny fact. Łazienki means… Bathrooms in Polish! Because… You know… It was very exclusive to have a bathroom in 18th century… You literally had to be super rich or be a king… You can find three such in the whole area.

So, that’s it! Tomorrow post will the about the 20 min trip to Sulejówek that is near to Warsaw. This time it’s going to be the post related to 19th-20th century history…

Greetings!

A.A.