Wilanów Palace Museum

The Palace in Wilanów is one of very few places of interest in Warsaw that wasn’t damaged during the Second World War. Its location, Wilanów, is slightly off the beaten track and remained almost intact. Last Saturday we decided to head for the Palace and check out this baroque royal residence which originally belonged to King Jan III Sobieski in the 1670s. It was Sobieski who led the Catholic Allies in the liberation of Vienna from the Turks in 1683.

A visit to this palace includes two parts: a Polish portrait gallery on the first floor where you can see portraits of Polish monarchs and historical figures collected over the centuries. After the portrait gallery the visit takes you to see the royal apartments of the palace including ballrooms, and living quarters that where inhabited by Polish royalty. Recently the palace has undergone some extensive renovation, specifically restoration of frescos on the walls.

During the winter it isn’t so spectacular, but you can visit the palace gardens which include a Baroque Garden, an English Chinese Garden and a Rose Garden. The setting along the river is nice, but as far as gardens go, I wouldn't recommend it. Lazienki park is prettier and you don't have to pay anything to see it.

Admission cost me 16 Zlotys, but on Sundays you can tour the Palace free of charge. But the number of such admission tickets is limited to it’s a good idea to get there early. They’re strict about not allowing photography inside the palace and there are blue uniformed security personnel enforcing that in each and every room. Photography is allowed in the park.

Getting there: The Palace is located in Warsaw’s Wilanów district, about 10 km (6 miles) from the city center, at the end of the historic Royal Road, which led from the Royal Palace in Old Town to what was King Jan III Sobieski’s country residence in Wilanów.
It’s a pleasant bike ride away from the city center (you can do it entirely on bike paths) or you can take any of the following public buses: 116, 117, 130, 139, 164, 180, 519, 522, 700, 710, 724, 725, and E-2.

If you decide to drive there, there is free municipal parking with capacity for about 80 cars about 300 meters from the Palace.