Warsaw royal castle Archives - Page 2 of 2 - just moving around just moving around

The Royal Castle in Warsaw, initially constructed by the Masovian Dukes in the 14th century as a wooden stronghold, underwent significant transformations through the centuries. Its pivotal change began in the 16th century under King Sigismund III Vasa, who moved Poland’s capital from Kraków to Warsaw, enhancing the castle’s status as a royal residence. A notable period of cultural flourishing occurred during the reign of King Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last King of Poland. His reign ended with the partitions of Poland, leading to a phase of decline for the castle. During the Second World War, the Royal Castle faced its greatest challenge. It was heavily bombed in 1939 by Nazi Germany and suffered extensive damage during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. These events left it in ruins, symbolizing the broader devastation Poland endured. Post-war a comprehensive reconstruction project was launched, extending into the 1970s. This effort was not merely about rebuilding but involved an intricate restoration of its historical and artistic character. Craftsmen and historians used historical documents, old paintings, and photographs to meticulously recreate the architecture and interiors of the castle.

View of Castle Square in Warsaw. To the right is the Royal Castle, and to the left stands the Sigismund’s Column, commemorating the king who relocated Poland’s capital from Krakow to Warsaw.

The castle’s interiors, meticulously restored, lack the grandeur and lavishness found in Versailles or Windsor, yet they retain a historical authenticity. Similar to these renowned palaces, the castle features a linear arrangement of royal apartments, emphasizing both function and hierarchy. The sequence of rooms, culminating in the king’s study and bedroom, reflects the architectural style of the era, with the outer chambers designated for entertaining guests and holding court.

After passing through one or the other royal chamber (the so-called King’s Apartments), one gets the impression of being in an art gallery. Most of the primary tourist route leads through chambers adorned with paintings either from the royal collection or those donated by the Polish nobility. All the paintings exhibit a classic style. The last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, was a declared art patron. He commissioned painters to create portraits, panoramas, and illustrations of historical events. One collection showcases Warsaw’s main streets and buildings as they appeared in the 18th century, while another depicts significant events in Polish history. Among these artists was Canaletto, an Italian painter renowned for his cityscapes of Venice and London, who also painted a series of scenes of Warsaw, capturing its architectural and cultural essence during the 18th century. Most of the paintings in the royal gallery survived the war. They were either protected by Poles or stolen by the Nazis and subsequently returned by the Germans after the war.

Below some photo impressions from the Warsaw Castle:

The Ballroom.

The throne room.

A small chamber next to the throne room.

Some of the chambers are well equipped with mirrors to create an in-depth perspective.

The king’s study.

The king’s bedroom.

One of the many historical pieces on display.

A chamber with walls almost entirely covered with paintings. The royal apartments are enlightened by chandeliers, so it is difficult to take photos of the gallery. This will change later, as the lights in chambers at the lower level were adjusted so one can admire paintings like in an art gallery.