Wroclaw

Schaffgotsch Palace

  ul. Kościuszki 34 ,   Old Town         25 Jan 2024
You might be surprised to discover this beautiful palace in the very centre of Wrocław, particularly while walking between the train station and market square. The palace was built in 1890 by Hans Ulrich von Schaffgotsch, who actually started out in life quite a poor man before marrying into money when Joanna Gryzik accepted his proposal. Known as the 'Silesian Princess,' Gryzik was a mere 6 years old when Silesian business mogul Karl Godulla (Karol Godula) - a self-made industrialist who owned over 60 coal and zinc mines - surprisingly bequethed his vast fortune to the child causing a furor.
Schaffgotsch Palace in the centre of Wrocław; photo by Piklus.

The Neo-Renaissance design of the three-wing villa was the work of K. Heidenreich, and features numerous bay windows, dormers, a tower and plenty of ornamental details. A large English-style garden could once be found behind the palace.
Sandstone details above the palace entrance; photo by Barbara Maliszewska.

After Schaffgotsch's death in 1915, the villa was passed on to the parish of St. Mary Magdalene's Church, and after World War II it became the property of the city. Only slightly damaged during Festung Breslau, the city renovated the building and initially used it for apartments. In 1956, it was given over to the Polish Students' Association (Zrzeszeniu Studentów Polskich) and became home to the famous 'Pałacyk' student club, with numerous events held here during the communist era, including early iterations of the Jazz nad Odra Festival.
Jazz concerts were held in Schaffgotsch Palace in the 1960s, as part of Jazz on the Oder.

Last renovated in 1975 following a fire, the building today is in surprisingly good shape, but also not exactly shining with splendour. Former residents have claimed it is haunted. Several businesses operate inside and the site is still frequently used for a variety of cultural events, particularly the grand main ballroom, also known as the Hall of Mirrors. In 2012 the building was sold to a Vietnamese company TH Invest and their long-term plans for the space are unknown at this point.

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