What five historic buildings are planned for reconstruction in Poland?

fot: Wizualizacja odbudowy, zameksacz.l

What five historic buildings are planned for reconstruction in Poland?

In recent years, Poland has seen a growing number of initiatives aimed at reconstructing historic buildings that once stood as architectural landmarks but were destroyed during wars or through decades of neglect. Among such projects are the reconstruction of the 14th-century Town Hall in Braniewo, the revitalization of the neo-Renaissance Karski Palace in Włostów, the rebuilding of the Royal Castle in Nowy Sącz, and efforts to restore the Dowspuda Palace in Podlasie. This article looks at these projects, their history, and their current status.

The Town Hall in Braniewo (Warmia)

In 2020, Braniewo took a concrete step toward rebuilding its historic town hall, aiming to restore the old town center that has remained vacant since World War II. The initiative received the support of the Warmian-Masurian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, paving the way for preliminary work.

In October 2022, archaeological excavations began on the site. Specialists cleared debris, uncovered surviving fragments, and documented older construction elements to prepare the site for reconstruction. Further progress depends on external funding, as the project exceeds the financial capabilities of this small town.

The history of Braniewo’s town hall dates back to the second half of the 14th century; it was first mentioned in records in 1364. Originally a small Gothic building, it was repeatedly remodeled over the centuries. Sadly, around 80% of the town was destroyed in 1945, and the ruins of the town hall were dismantled in 1959 — two years after being entered in the register of monuments.

Photo: Archaeological works, October 2022 (Wikipedia)

Karski Palace in Włostów

Moving to the Świętokrzyskie region, the Karski Palace in Włostów near Opatów is a neo-Renaissance residence built between 1854 and 1860 to designs by Henryk Marconi. The palace featured 30 rooms — including three salons, a ballroom, a billiard room, a library, guest chambers, and a chapel — and was surrounded by a 10-hectare park. The estate also includes a 16th-century granary and an 18th-century outbuilding.

The palace hosted prominent cultural and religious figures, including writer Stefan Żeromski and Achille Ratti, the future Pope Pius XI. Because of its historical and cultural value, the revitalization of the palace is viewed as an important effort to preserve local heritage.

At the end of 2023, the Opatów County authorities purchased the palace and park from private owners, announcing plans to develop a restoration concept and seek external funding. Although only initial cleanup has taken place so far, work could begin in 2026. The revitalized palace is expected to house a hotel, restaurant, and exhibition on Polish landed gentry, as well as host concerts and events — returning it to its former role as a cultural center for the region.

Photo: Archival image of Karski Palace, Foto Polska

The Royal Castle in Nowy Sącz 

In Nowy Sącz, discussions about rebuilding the Royal Castle — one of the city’s most important historical landmarks — have resurfaced in recent years. In 2024, city authorities unveiled new visualizations and announced a design tender, sparking public debate and media attention. However, the presentation of these plans without prior consultation with the Conservator’s Office drew some criticism. According to preliminary concepts, the rebuilt castle might include a hotel, though the project’s future depends on conservation decisions and funding.

The castle’s origins date to the mid-14th century, when it was founded by King Casimir the Great. It suffered multiple fires and reconstructions, including Renaissance-style restorations. After the partitions of Poland, the castle served various purposes — from police quarters to barracks and a prison. In 1938, it became a museum, but in January 1945, it was blown up by local resistance forces to prevent its use by retreating German troops. In the 1950s, only the Kowalska Tower and a section of walls were restored, leaving the rest as a permanent ruin that remains a popular tourist site.

Photo: Visualization of reconstruction, zameksacz.pl

Dowspuda Palace – A Neo-Gothic Gem of Podlasie

The Dowspuda Palace in Podlasie was once one of Poland’s finest examples of English neo-Gothic architecture. Commissioned by Ludwik Michał Pac, a general of Polish and Napoleonic forces, it was designed by Italian architects Piotr Bosio and Henryk Marconi. The two-story building featured a grand central body flanked by towers and octagonal pavilions, richly decorated interiors, and served as a symbol of the Pac family’s wealth.

After the November Uprising (1830–31), Pac was exiled, and his estates were confiscated by Russian authorities. The palace gradually fell into ruin and was finally demolished in 1867. Only the portico and one tower, the so-called “stork tower", survived, named after the stork’s nest that saved it from destruction.

In 2016, the ruins and surrounding 21-hectare estate were purchased by a private investor who pledged to rebuild the palace as a hotel complex. In 2021, the project received heritage approval, though initial designs were rejected for lacking sufficient historical documentation. Despite this, no construction has yet begun, and the future of the palace remains uncertain. The surviving ruins, however, continue to attract tourists and historians alike.

Photo: Visualization of reconstruction

The Saxon Palace in Warsaw

The Saxon Palace, originally built in the 17th century and remodeled in classical style in the 18th, was one of Warsaw’s architectural jewels before its destruction in 1944 after the fall of the Warsaw Uprising. Only the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in the palace’s central arcade, survived.

For decades, the palace’s reconstruction remained a topic of debate, but in 2021 the Polish government officially launched the reconstruction of the Saxon Palace, the Brühl Palace, and adjacent townhouses on Królewska Street.

In 2023, the results of an architectural competition were announced, but progress since then has been slow. Project work continues, though it has been costly and time-consuming, and no construction date has been set. Critics point out that much of the funding has gone toward the administrative company overseeing the project rather than actual restoration work. 

All these projects demonstrate a renewed interest in reconstructing Poland’s historical landmarks, though progress often faces financial and bureaucratic hurdles. Rising construction costs have led to delays in several major projects, including the Saxon Palace. Nevertheless, many hope that in the coming years, these long-awaited reconstructions will finally move forward, bringing back some of the country’s most iconic architectural treasures.

Author: Piotr Gadomski