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THE LICHNOWSKI PALACE
– KRZYŻANOWICE
The palace in Krzyżanowice was built in 1670
as a „splendid lordly house” in the place of an
older residence. Around 1869 it was rebuilt by a wealthy
Lichnowski family in the Neo-Gothic style. It was enriched
with a circular tower in the south – east angle. The gate
building from the middle of the 19th century was erected in
the English Neo-Gothic style, with a decorative cast – iron
grating and inscription board maintained. The palace is
surrounded by an arboretum with exotic trees, among others
a grand American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).
In August 1806, a family friend, Ludvig van Beethoven,
performed here, invited by the Lichnowski family. For the
guests he played the spinet – a small instrument that is
a type of a harpsichord. In the spring of 1848 the palace
was the location of a secret meeting between Franz Liszt
and Karolina Iwanowska who fled Russia and her husband,
duke Mikołaj Sayn – Wittgenstein. Liszt received the palace
at his disposal from his friend, duke Feliks Lichnowski. He
knew and treasured the place. He was there previously in
1843 and 1846. In Krzyżanowice the work „Herbei, den
Spat und Schaufel „ („Hand me a spade and a shovel”),
based on the tune of the popular „Marseillaise” was written.
While waiting for his lover in the spring of 1848, Liszt
composed. In the letter from 10 April he would write to
Feliks: „During this period of waiting I feel the most unhappy
man in the world in Krzyżanowice where I spend my
blessed days completely alone, from morning until night,
working”.
A social welfare house occupies the palace. The arboretum
and the chapel can be visited by prior appointment.
Call +48 32 419 40 20
Fot. G. Utracki