Old Town of Żary
Lubuskie
The Old Town of Żary, located in the Lubusz Voivodeship of western Poland, is a historic area with roots dating back over a millennium. The town itself is situated in the historic Lower Lusatia region and has been a significant economic and cultural center. The Old Town is notable for its castle-palace complex originally built in the 13th century and expanded through the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The castle combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, with four wings arranged around an inner courtyard featuring arcades decorated with sgraffito. The Baroque palace, constructed by the Promnitz family between 1710 and 1728, complements the medieval fortress. Despite damage during World War II and a significant fire in 2019 that destroyed the Baroque tower roof, restoration efforts have preserved much of the complex. The Old Town also includes historic streets and remnants of defensive walls, reflecting its medieval origins. Today, the castle and palace complex hosts cultural events and is occasionally open to visitors, symbolizing Żary's rich heritage and architectural significance in the region.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to check opening times in advance as the castle-palace complex is occasionally accessible and hosts cultural events. The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn when weather conditions are favorable. Consider purchasing tickets or joining guided tours ahead of time if available. Some discounts may apply for students, seniors, or groups. Due to ongoing restoration and occasional closures, verifying current visitor information is recommended.
Faits intéressants
- •The Old Town of Żary is the largest town in the Polish part of historic Lusatia, often called its unofficial capital.
- •The castle features Renaissance arcades with rich sgraffito decoration around the courtyard, a rare architectural detail.
- •The Baroque palace adjacent to the castle was built by the Promnitz family between 1710 and 1728 and includes a Corinthian columned colonnade topped with family and regional coats of arms.
- •In 2019, a fire destroyed the Baroque tower roof, but restoration was swiftly completed by 2021, preserving the historic silhouette.
- •The castle served as a Prussian state prison starting in 1824 and housed a regional museum until 1945.
Histoire
Żary's origins date back to at least 1007, first mentioned in chronicles following Duke Bolesław I Chrobry's conquest.
The original castle dates to the 13th century, initially built by Albrecht Dewin and later expanded by noble families including the von Pack, von Biberstein, and von Promnitz.
The castle underwent Renaissance renovations in the 16th century and Baroque modifications around 1700.
After serving various roles, including a Prussian state prison in the 19th century, the complex was severely damaged during World War II.
A fire in 2019 destroyed the Baroque tower roof, but restoration was completed by 2021.
The castle and palace complex remains a key historical monument reflecting the town's layered past.
Guide du lieu
Biberstein Castle (Castle of von Biberstein)13th century
Originally built in the 13th century and expanded through the Renaissance, this castle features four wings arranged around a courtyard with arcades decorated in sgraffito. It showcases a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, including vaulted cellars and richly stuccoed and painted interiors. The three-story wings have multi-pitched roofs, and the southern wing includes a dominant quadrangular tower with Baroque modifications.
Promnitz Baroque Palace1710-1728
Constructed between 1710 and 1728 by the Promnitz family next to the castle, the Baroque palace features a central risalit with a Corinthian column colonnade topped by a semicircular French-style fronton bearing the coats of arms of Erdmanna II von Promnitz and Anna Maria von Sachsen-Weissenfels. The palace's corner risalits are adorned with triangular pediments and pilasters, exemplifying Baroque grandeur.