W trosce o śląskie dziedzictwo – renowacja Zespołu Parkowo-Pałacowego w Żorach - description EN
The city of Żory has been implementing the project "Out of concern for the Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund.
Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020
Priority: VIII Protection of cultural heritage and development of cultural resources
Action: 8.1. Protection of cultural heritage and development of cultural resources
The main goal of the project is to preserve cultural heritage, leading to an increase in the importance of culture as a factor in socio-economic development. The implementation of this project will allow to preserve and make available (including tourist) a historic object of supra-regional importance. The renovation of the Palace and Park Complex will lead to the increase the number of people visiting the monument, thus the awareness of the region's inhabitants about its history and heritage. Furthermore, thanks to the project, new jobs will be created, which will affect the economic recovery of the region.
The main assumption of the project is to save the unique palace building with the park, which is an unusual example of palace architecture in Żory and this part of the province. The palace has a chance to become one of the important centers on the artistic map of Poland. Its advantage is also the architecture, which can become a great background for artistic activities, groupings of artists and plein-airs, as well as business meetings.
The project involves undertaking comprehensive actions involving the renovation of a historic palace from the 17th century along with the development of the adjacent surroundings and the park. The building includes a part with multi-functional rooms for artistic activities, a gastronomic and an exhibition part.
Project implementation period: 06/08/2019 - 30/11/2023
Total value: 36 385 115,83 PLN
Co-financing: 18 402 987,43 PLN
Own contribution: 17 982 128,40 PLN
In the interest of implementing projects co-financed by the European Union in an ethical, explicit and transparent manner, we inform you about the possibility of signaling potential irregularities or fraud at the e-mail address: naduzycia.POIS@mfipr.gov.pl or via the electronic notification system via the website - the appropriate form is available at http://www.pois.gov.pl/strony/zglaszanie-nieprawidlowosci/
INFORMATION CLAUSE constituting the fulfillment of the information obligation towards the Beneficiaries under OPI&E 2014-2020 under Priority Axis VIII Protection of cultural heritage and development of cultural resources.
Update - August 4, 2020
On Tuesday, July 14, an agrement for implementation of the investment was solemnly signed with consortium of companies: ARS LONGA Konserwacja Dzieł Sztuki i Obiektów Zabytkowych J.D.M. Mazur, Sp. J from Kraków and Wodpol Sp. z o.o. from Żywiec. Both of the companies were selected in the tender procedure. During the contract signing ceremony for the renovation of the Palace in Baranowice, Jan Delowicz from the City Museum in Żory introduced the history of the object to the audience. The municipal commune, seeing that the palace was falling into ruin, bought it back and have made many years of efforts to modernize it. - It was a long and difficult process. Today we have made a happy start to the actual renovation of the building. I hope we will meet again soon in a beautifully renovated palace, as well as in the adjacent park. We want to create a recreation and entertainment center for the entire city here
- said Waldemar Socha, Mayor of Żory, during the signing of the contract.
Update - August 27, 2020
The area of the Park and Palace complex in Baranowice has been fenced, cleaning works are underway, including the demolition and preparation of the building for renovation.
Update - September 4, 2020
Works on the Palace in Baranowice are in full swing!
The Palace in Baranowice is undergoing a real revolution. The area around the building has already been fenced and secured, and demolition works are underway inside.
More than 1000 m3 of debris has already been removed, floors have been torn off, wooden floors and wood elements of ceilings have been taken apart. Conservation work and reconstruction of historic polychromes has also started. The effect will surely satisfy the residents of Żory and the entire region.
Let us recall that for the renovation of the Palace in Baranowice, the City of Żory obtained co-financing from the European Union funds under the Regional Development Fund in the amount of PLN 13 153 015,14. The palace will be restored from the foundations to the roof, while maintaining its original architectural layout. The investment made it possible to save the unique architecture from destruction, which is a unique example of a palace in Żory and this part of the Silesian Voivodeship.
The project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020.
Update - November 18, 2020
The Palace in Baranowice is being renovated
The pace of work at the Palace in Baranowice is impressive. Although the works last mainly inside the building, we will have to wait a little longer for the visible effects, but one thing is certain - after the renovation, the Palace will impress everyone!
An important stage of the works is the renovation of the historic polychromes, which have been partially secured, and the individual elements have been dismantled and handed over to the conservation studio. There, they will be transferred to a new base in order to decorate the Palace ceilings in due course.
In the building, demolition works were also carried out on wooden floors, elements of wooden ceilings, elements of walls and fragments of concrete floors. The historic tiles for the elevator structure were demolished and the internal plasters were scraped. New holes were dug in the walls, and torches were installed over new punctures and door openings inside the Palace. In addition, elements of the floors and wooden ceilings were dismantled. The walls were reinforced with steel and temporary ties and by anchoring. Reinforced concrete wreaths were made in the walls to support the new ceilings. Defects in the walls were filled and the chimneys were rebuilt and cleaned. The debris that had already been removed from the building was also removed. Currently, works related to the implementation of reinforced concrete ceilings and drainage of the fire road are in progress.
For the project entitled “For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory” Żory received co-financing in the amount of PLN 13 153 015.14 from the European Union funds under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020.
Historical interiors will delight again!
Although not much has changed at first glance, the Palace in Baranowice is closer to regaining its former glory every day. During construction work inside the building, run by a consortium of companies ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historic Objects J.D.M. Mazur, Sp. J from Kraków and Wodpol Sp. z o.o. from Żywiec, many beautiful details have been discovered, which will make the Palace delight visitors after the renovation.
Let us recall that the comprehensive renovation of the historic palace from the 17th century began in July last year. It is possible because the city of Żory obtained co-financing from the European Union funds under the Regional Development Fund in the amount of PLN 13 153 015,14 for the project "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory".
The works began with demolition works - wooden floors and ceilings, as well as the roof covering, chimneys, wall elements and fragments of concrete floors were dismantled. The interior plasters were also removed and the historic ceramic tiles were carefully removed and secured - some of them will be incorporated into the new interiors. New holes were dug in the walls, and reinforcements were installed over new punctures and door openings inside the Palace.
Unfortunately, during the works it turned out that the technical condition of the building was worse than it appeared - the wooden ceilings were significantly damaged, which adversely affected the structure of the entire building. Therefore, by the decision of the supervision of the construction industry and with the consent of the Provincial Conservator of Monuments, it was decided to replace the wooden ceilings with reinforced concrete ones in the Rectolight system. Due to the weakening of the structure, the entire building also needed to be tied by special rods during renovation to strengthen the cracking internal and external walls and stabilize the entire structure. Currently, the ceilings are being replaced. Defects in the walls are also supplemented, and some of them have been additionally reinforced by inserting concrete beam. In addition, places where the walls were heavily cracked are rebuilt. Although the general condition of the building was not the best, the Palace in Baranowice also hid many pleasant surprises. - While working on the internal walls and ceilings, we discovered many fragments of beautiful, historic polychromes. Some of them were hidden under successive layers of paint, while others we found, for example, on the walls that were hidden behind other, later built internal walls. The work was not easy, because, for example, we had to demolish an unstable inner wall to reveal and preserve valuable decorations. However, we believe that the results will reward these hardships - says Julia Mazur from ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historic Objects. Those polychromes, which could have remained in their original location, were professionally secured, while other elements were properly dismantled and handed over to a conservation studio. There, they are transferred to a new base to decorate the interior of the Palace in due course. - We are committed to preserving the historic value of the Palace as much as possible and exposing the historic painting layers to the greatest possible extent. The preserved remains of the painted layers, which we have discovered, give an idea of the nature of the interior design of the palace. It used templates popular at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, which were then distributed by numerous publishing houses. Thanks to this knowledge, it will be possible to reconstruct the interior design as close as possible to the original - adds Julia Mazur. Experts from the ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historic Objects company underline that the Park and Palace Complex in Baranowice is a place with great potential. - Although it may not be visible now, especially when looking at the building from the outside, the Palace in Baranowice will soon be an object that will definitely be worth visiting. The interiors will refer to the history of this place and delight, and in conjunction with the park, which will also undergo renovation, it will create a wonderful space serving the residents - says Julia Mazur. In order to refer to the historical appearance of the facility as much as possible, the contractors are asking the residents of Żory, who, for example, studied in the building of the Baranowice Palace when the school was located there for help. If you have photos in your collection that show the interiors of the Palace or the building from the outside, please send them to the address bpks@um.zory.pl or deliver them to the Promotion, Culture and Sport Office of the Żory Town Hall, tel. +48 32 43 48 295. The photos showing the staircase and the railing located in it will be especially valuable. Project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020. The city received funding for this purpose in the amount of PLN 13,153,015.14
A set of logos, consisting of the following signs: European Funds, the Republic of Poland, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the European Union.
Update - April 7, 2021
Historical treasures discovered during works at the Baranowice palace
Old coins, antique tiles and fragments of dishes, bottles and other everyday objects - these are valuable finds discovered during archaeological works carried out as part of the comprehensive renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Baranowice.
The Palace in Baranowice is approaching a new opening and entering the 21st century every day. By creating beautiful, restored spaces that the residents of Żory will be able to use, we also do not forget about the history of this extraordinary facility.
In the first part of the research work, two probing excavations were made in the vicinity of the palace building. Then, research was also carried out in connection with the construction of a fire road around the building and the demolition of some of the floors in the palace - the material from the interior was selected and carefully analyzed. During the demolition of the floors, interesting fragments of tiles from the end of the 16th century were discovered. - As our research to date shows, the palace in Żory Baranowice was rather not erected on the site of an older, medieval foundation, and such information has appeared. It does not change the fact that the surroundings and interiors of this residence are pure magic, straight from the best knightly tales - says Radosław Zdaniewicz from the Upper Silesian Archaeological Laboratory, conducting archaeological works in the Baranowice palace.
Many interesting items were found in the excavations. - These are mainly everyday items from centuries ago. For example, we found a decorated fork and fragments of a beautiful bottle, in which the owners probably brought the spa water from today's Kudowa-Zdrój. There are also fragments of various dishes - from simple ones, which could be used, for example, for storing food or for servants, to perfectly made and richly decorated, which were probably used by wealthy owners of the residence. Modern coins are also a valuable find, says Radosław Zdaniewicz. - During the works, wooden piles were also found driven into the ground, which indicate that the area in the vicinity of the palace was wet and it was necessary to strengthen and regulate it before expanding the palace. Dendrochronological tests carried out on a sample of one of them showed the date of cutting the tree used for piling - 1787 - he adds.
It is worth noting that during all works on the renovation of the Park and Palace Complex, conservation supervision is carried out. This means that it is still possible to discover more historical treasures.
Let us remind you that the comprehensive renovation of the historic palace from the 17th century began in July last year and the works carried out by the consortium of companies ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historic Objects J.D.M. Mazur, Sp. J from Kraków and Wodpol Sp. z o.o. from Żywiec. The city received funding for this purpose in the amount of PLN 13,153,015.14 under the project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory", co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020.
A set of logos, consisting of the following signs: European Funds, the Republic of Poland, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the European Union.
Photo gallery presenting historic buildings excavated in the Park and Palace Complex in Baranowice and described in the text.
Update - September 14, 2021
The historic palace in Baranowice is changing its face
The palace in Baranowice becomes more beautiful, and the effects of the works can be seen both inside and outside the building. The renovated historic interiors are already impressive, and the final effect will delight anyone who wants to visit this place.
Let us remind you that the Żory Municipal Commune is implementing a project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" co-financed by the European Union. The execution is the responsibility of the consortium of companies ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historic Objects J.D.M. Mazur, Sp. J from Kraków and Wodpol Sp. z o.o. from Żywiec. Advanced works carried out under the supervision of the conservator of monuments will transform the palace into a facility full of possibilities. The building will house exhibitions, cultural events and other artistic activities, as well as business meetings, and the surrounding park will become a place for walks and outdoor events.
Currently, bricklaying and reinforced concrete works are underway at the floor and attic level, the installation of lintels over punctures and door openings has been completed. Window openings have been standardized to the appropriate dimensions. The external and internal walls as well as the façade were reinforced with the use of spiral stainless steel rods and special mortars, and a skeleton of galvanized steel profiles was made for the partition walls on the ground floor and the attic. The façade of the palace required many steps, incl. chipping, sandblasting, cleaning, filling cavities, and in places thickening the plaster. It was also necessary to recreate the cornices by applying individual layers until the appropriate dimensions were obtained, and to make new cornices in the places of their complete damage or deficiencies. The replacement of the roof truss has already been completed, works related to covering the roof with ceramic tiles are currently underway, gutters and snow crushers are being installed. Installation works are carried out to enable the widening of the passage towards the elevator for people with disabilities. The installation of sanitary and central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as electrical and low-voltage installations are in progress.
Architectural studies of the facade and interior of the building as well as the removal of plaster layers have been completed. The patterns of the cornice profiles have been downloaded and the trench cornice is made according to the template. The Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments fully approved the designs of the staircase balustrade and the designs of fireplaces. The interiors of the building will be arranged in such a way as to maintain the style of the historic polychromes discovered during previous works. Sketches of polychrome according to Art Nouveau templates will be made on the walls and ceilings of the palace.
Project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020. The city received funding for this purpose in the amount of PLN 13,153,015.14. The end of works is planned for August 31, 2022.
Photo gallery presenting the facility of the Park and Palace Complex in Baranowice
Update - January 13, 2022
Another changes at the Palace in Baranowice! The work is in full swing
This year we will be able to admire the effects of renovation works at the Palace in Baranowice! The changes are already visible at first glance - a beautiful, new façade emerges from under the scaffolding. Inside, the building is undergoing a real revolution and although there is still a lot to be done, the rooms are already impressive and look more and more like palace interiors.
Let us remind you that the Żory Municipal Commune is implementing a project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" co-financed by the European Union. The contractor for this investment is the consortium of companies ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historic Objects J.D.M. Mazur, Sp. J from Kraków and Wodpol Sp. z o.o. from Żywiec.
Inside the palace, the attic walls have recently been reinforced and rebuilt, and reinforced with stainless steel spiral bars and appropriate mortars. On the ground floor, second floor and attic there is a skeleton made of galvanized steel profiles for partition walls. Window openings were standardized by walling up and rebuilding the cracked arched window vaults. Additional lintels were installed above the door openings in internal walls, under the existing brick arched lintels, adjusted to the height of the designed doors. The walls of the window niches were insulated with insulation blocks. Some of the walls on the first and second floors were also plastered.
Steel structural elements for the stairs from the second floor to the attic were also installed. On the ground floor, a reinforced concrete pillar was made by the staircase along with the structure necessary to create a passage towards the elevator for people with disabilities. Partition walls are being installed, and windows are being installed on the western elevation. Works related to the insulation of foundation walls are also being completed. Electrical installations are currently being carried out and the installation of ventilation pipes, plumbing and central heating installations is in progress.
Works on the outside of the building include strengthening the walls with stainless steel spiral bars and mortars, as well as chipping, sandblasting, washing and cleaning, impregnation, hydrophobization, filling cavities and local thickening of the facade plasters. In order to recreate the cornices, individual layers were applied until the appropriate dimensions were obtained. New cornices were also made in places where they were missing. Chimneys and walls were plastered on the level of the attic, on the first and second floors. In addition, the balconies on the southern elevation, which were not suitable for renovation due to poor technical condition, were dismantled.
The works on the roof of the palace, which were covered with ceramic tiles, have already been completed. Gutters, snow crushers were also installed, and sheet metal work was completed. Documentation from architectural research has also been prepared and will be forwarded to the Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments.
Plastering works are underway on the building's elevations with the reconstruction of architectural details. It was planned to arrange the polychrome on the walls of the rooms in relation to the existing documented decor. Preservation of the remains of the polychrome was carried out, and plastering expeditions for the interior polychrome began.
Project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex
in Żory ”is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020. The city received funding for this purpose in the amount of PLN 13,153,015.14. The end of works is planned for August 31, 2022.
Photo gallery presenting the current state of the Palace in Baranowice, inside and outside the facility
Update - August 22, 2022
The palace and park in Baranowice will change beyond recognition
After the renovation, the Palace and Park Complex in Baranowice will become a real gem on the map of our region. Not only the palace itself is undergoing great changes, but also the huge area around it, which will be transformed into a friendly and attractive space, perfect for walking and relaxing.
Currently, finishing and conservation works are underway at the Palace in Baranowice, as well as facade painting and installation of internal installations. There are still parquet floors to be made, as well as the assembly of door joinery, lighting, internal stairs and railings, as well as white assembly and other finishing works.
The tender for the revitalization of the palace park has already been settled, which was won by HLS System from Żory. Currently, the park with an area of over 8 ha is covered with decades-old trees, which give this place a unique character. However, the park paths have been largely overgrown with greenery, which will be tidied up as part of the works, and in its place new, illuminated alleys will be created, varied with bridges. As part of the investment worth PLN 6.6 million, walking paths will be created in the park and around the palace, similar to alleys from the mid-nineteenth century, when the palace was owned by the Durant family. At that time, the building was rebuilt in the style of an Italian villa, and the surrounding area was transformed into a large English-style park.
As part of the project, the historic entrance gates will also be restored, and the preserved elements of small architecture will be renovated. The historic wells and the drinker will be renovated, as will the ice-room and chimney of the former forge. There will be benches, litter bins and bicycle stands throughout the park. In order to restore the historic layout of this area, the demolition of four farm buildings, built in the 1970s, is also planned.
In the Palace building itself there will be space for exhibitions, cultural events and other artistic activities, as well as for business meetings and the gastronomic part, and the surrounding park is to become a place for walks and outdoor events.
Let us remind you that the project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Żory" is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020. The city received funding for this purpose in the amount of PLN 13,153,015.14.
Photo gallery presenting the current state of the Palace in Baranowice, inside and outside the facility
Update - December 28, 2022
Huge changes in the Baranowice park and the historic palace
The surroundings of the palace in Baranowice are changing for the better right before our eyes! The area of the palace park has been cleared of debris and garbage. Shrubs and self-sown trees colliding with walking paths were also removed. The palace itself was beautiful too! The effects of finishing works are already impressive today.
The unique character of the park is emphasized by the historic entrance gates, which will soon be reconstructed to restore the historical appearance of the building. All works in the park are carried out with attention to the smallest detail in order to protect and fully expose the beauty of the old trees in the park, and at the same time regain the original shape of the park. Currently, work is underway on the construction of walking paths with lighting, as well as renovation works on the chimney of the former forge and ice house. Some of the outbuildings built in the 1970s have also been demolished.
An impressive park with an area of over 8 hectares, with numerous old trees and natural monuments, after the works are completed, will certainly attract people looking for an escape from the city hustle and bustle. Concerts and multimedia artistic presentations will take place in the revitalized palace and garden. Art lovers will be able to take part in painting, photography, sculpting and floristic plein-airs as well as many other events that will take place in this unique place.
Some of the renovation works were delayed due to the presence of habitats of protected animal species. There was a crow's nest on the chimney of the former smithy, which had to be dismantled before the renovation works began. Due to the breeding season, it was not possible to move the nest and thus start the works. The nest was dismantled under ornithological supervision after the end of the breeding season. It will be re-laid on top of the chimney as soon as the work is completed. This will ensure that the population of this species is maintained in a favorable conservation status.
Many changes have also taken place in the palace itself. The scaffolding has disappeared, so we can already admire the impressive facade of the building with numerous decorative elements. A winter garden with a view of the park is under construction, which will be part of the restaurant located on the ground floor. Inside the palace, painting of the walls and ceilings was completed, stucco elements and wooden window sills were installed, and tiles appeared on the walls in the bathrooms. In the attic, oak parquet has been laid, and doors and stair railings are installed throughout the building. Installation of lighting, fire alarm system and cameras on the façade is in progress. Air curtains will be installed soon, the installation of lighting and external luminaires on the façade and at the entrances to the building will be completed.
Project "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the park and palace complex in Żory" received funding in the amount of PLN 13,153,015.14. from the European Union funds under the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020. It is worth noting that due to the need to perform additional works, the City asked the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to increase the amount of funding and obtained additional funds in the amount of PLN 3,053,170.45!
Photo gallery presenting the current state of the Palace in Baranowice inside and outside the building, as well as the surrounding park
Update - March 2, 2023
The palace in Baranowice is ready! The opening of the facility after renovation is getting closer.
On Tuesday, February 28, a ceremonial acceptance took place to complete the works in the Baranowice Palace after a comprehensive renovation. This unique event was attended by representatives of the city authorities headed by Mayor Waldemar Socha, councilors of the Żory City Council, representatives of the Baranowice District Council, employees of the Żory City Hall and representatives of investment contractors - ARS LONGA Conservation of Works of Art and Historical Objects J.D.M. Mazur, Sp. J from Krakow and Wodpol Sp. z o. o. from Żywiec.
The renovation of the Palace in Baranowice is the largest investment in Żory in recent years. The monument has changed beyond recognition in less than three years. Now it is a decoration of the Baranowice district and the whole city! The magnificent interiors, in which the historic appearance has been preserved, look unique due to the polychromes that have been meticulously reproduced according to the fragments preserved on the walls of the building. Both inside and outside the palace we can admire many decorative elements.
- The polychromes on the walls have been preserved in part of the palace and have been recreated from residual elements, to which we have added a certain history. Part of the polychrome that has been removed from the walls will be presented during the exhibition after the opening of the palace - says Ewa Pańczyk - Municipal Conservator of Monuments.
The renovation of the building has already been completed, but before the Palace is available to all residents, it still needs to be equipped, and renovation works must be completed in the surrounding park. The opening of the palace is planned for autumn.
It is worth mentioning that the City of Żory obtained additional funding in the amount of PLN 3,053,170.45 as part of the project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the park and palace complex in Żory". Currently, the co-financing amounts to PLN 16,206,185.59, and the total value of the project is PLN 29,583,464.89.
Photo gallery presenting the current state of the Palace in Baranowice inside and outside the building, as well as the surrounding park
Update - April 4, 2023
The park in Baranowice will bloom in a unique style this spring
Big changes in the park in Baranowice! The chimney of the former forge, on top of which there is a magnificent crow's nest, is now ready. Thanks to the fact that the work on the renovation of the chimney ended in winter, it was possible to arrange a nest on it before its owners returned from warm countries. The renovation of the historic icehouse is also being completed.
There is a lot going on in the palace park! The area has already been cleared and leveled. Hardening of alleys and laying of granite cubes is in progress. The historic entrance gates are being recreated. Walking paths will soon be covered with granite grits. There will also be new plantings and elements of small architecture. Soon, when the park is green, it will fully show its beautiful face.
Recall that under the project entitled "For the sake of Silesian heritage - renovation of the park and palace complex in Żory" The city of Żory obtained funding in the amount of PLN 16,206,185.59, and the total value of the project is PLN 29,583,464.89. The project is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund. The deadline for the implementation of the project has been extended to September 30, 2023.
Photo gallery of the palace park and the Palace in Baranowice
Update - October 23, 2023
The palace in Baranowice is officially open! It delighted crowds of visitors
The official opening of the Park and Palace Complex in Baranowice is behind us! The ceremony was attended by a lot of people who could admire the completely changed place. Comprehensive activities were carried out, consisting in the renovation of the 17th century Palace and the development of its surroundings and the adjacent park in the English style, with numerous old trees and natural monuments.
The date of October 21, 2023 will forever be remembered in the history of Żory. The ceremonial opening of the Baranowice Palace was attended by, among others: Waldemar Socha - Mayor of Żory, Jacek Świerkocki - voivodeship councilor, Plenipotentiary of the President for Social Affairs, Daniel Wawrzyczek - Deputy Mayor of Żory, Kazimierz Dajka - Vice-Chairman of the Żory City Council, Piotr Huzarewicz - Vice-Chairman of the Żory City Council, Kamil Owczarek - Vice-Chairman of the Żory City Council, Małgorzata Dudek - Secretary of the Świerklany commune, Anna Szelka - City Secretary, councilors, Dariusz Domański - Silesian Vice-Curator of Education, Ireneusz Komorowski - Director of the Delegation of the Education Board in Rybnik, prof. Dr. Aleksander Ostenda - Rector of the University of Silesia, Stanisław Ratajczyk - Director of the Municipal Cultural Center in Żory, Joanna Fudali - Manager of the Palace in Baranowice, representatives of uniformed services, municipal institutions and companies, associations and organizations operating in Żory, as well as representatives of companies that contributed for a comprehensive renovation of the Park and Palace Complex in Baranowice.
As part of the official part, Jan Delowicz - historian from the City Museum in Żory, author of the book "Palace in Baranowice" donated for the exhibition a German-language book titled "Droben im berg" by Hans Hubert von Durant, nephew of the lord of Baranowice, Hans von Durant, published in 1958, which has an original ex libris - i.e. an ownership mark - indicating that it comes from the author's own collection. On behalf of Charles von Durant, Jan Delowicz also donated two works to the Municipal Museum in Żory: an oil painting by Elsa von Durant painted ca. 1930 and an etching - a portrait of Elsa von Durant, created by her daughter Elly. The paintings, with the consent of Lucjan Buchalik - Director of the Municipal Museum in Żory, were displayed inside the Palace.
Then Waldemar Socha - Mayor of Żory, together with Kamil Owczarek - Vice-Chairman of the Żory City Council and Stanisław Ratajczyk - Director of the Municipal Cultural Center in Żory, officially opened the Palace by symbolically cutting the ribbon.
The opening was accompanied by many attractions for residents and guests. We are talking about a presentation of birds of prey with elements of free flights, conducted by the RABIEC Group. You could go for a walk in the park in the company of naturalist Dr. Waldemar Szendera or visit the park during a horse-drawn carriage ride. All those interested could try their hand at sports and dances of the Victorian era, the secrets of which were introduced by Madame Chantberry's company and the Victorian Sports Lovers' Club. There are also games such as boules, badminton, croquet, serso and catching fish. In addition, artistic and regional classes were held.
Inside the Palace, a number of demonstration classes have been prepared for the guests: floristry, tailoring, painting, sculpture and 3D printing. You could also see an exhibition of historical costumes prepared by lecturers and students of the Silesian Academy and take part in a meeting with the authors and the promotion of Jan Delowicz's book entitled "Palace in Baranowice".
A day later, the "Evening with the White Lady" took place in the Palace, attended by over 250 people. This is a continuation of the wonderful tradition of "White Evenings" organized by the Municipal Cultural Center in Żory, i.e. outdoor dinners accompanied by excellent music. The event included a performance by the string quartet of the State Music Schools in Żory, Maja Czyż and Paweł Gwoździec, the Take Trio and Barbara Broda - Malon with her band, as well as a competition for the best styling of the White Lady.