Zbaraski Palace
Kraków Monuments
A historic townhouse at Main Market Square 20, on the corner with Bracka Street 2, also known as the Potocki Palace. It was created in 1540 by joining two Gothic townhouses from the 14th century into a magnate residence of the Firlej family. In the 17th century, when it belonged to the Zbaraski family, the Flemish architect Henryk van Peene rebuilt it in the Baroque style, creating a two-storey arcaded courtyard with cloisters and an entrance hall facing the Square. In 1778-1783 the palace took on early Neoclassical features, and at the end of the 19th century it belonged to the Potocki family. It once housed the Goethe Institute.
History
The palace stands on the corner of the Main Market Square and Bracka Street. Its origins go back to 1540, when two neighbouring Gothic townhouses from the 14th century were joined and rebuilt into a single magnate's residence.
In the 17th century the building belonged to the Zbaraski family, who wanted to give it the fashionable look of the day and make it a grand town residence. The work was directed by the architect Henryk van Peene. It was then that the Baroque two-storey courtyard with arcades and galleries was created, along with the entrance hall on the Market Square side.
In 1778-1783, on the orders of Count Eliasz Wodzicki, the palace was remodelled by Ferdynand Nax, who gave it early Neoclassical features. After that the owners changed frequently. Among those who lived here were the Potulicki, Rostworowski, Wiśniowiecki, Jabłonowski and Radziwiłł families, and at the end of the 19th century the building passed to the Potocki family. It is also known as the Potocki Palace.
In 1896-1898 the architect Karol Zaremba renovated the residence, changing the ground-floor interiors and part of the courtyard. Further work in 1910-1912 was carried out by Ludwik Wojtyczko and Kazimierz Wyczyński. New staircases were added, and the second floor, intended for flats, was rebuilt inside. The first floor kept the grand character of its salons.
After the Second World War the palace was renovated and reconstructed. Corinthian pilasters, a stone portal and rich sculptural decoration at the top, including heraldic cartouches, can still be seen on the facades. The building housed the Goethe-Institut.
Did you know?
The architect who gave the palace its Baroque form was Flemish. He was brought to Poland by Jerzy Zbaraski.