Wilanów Palace (Pałac w Wilanowie) is one of Warsaw's most magnificent architectural treasures. Located in the Wilanów district in the southern part of Warsaw, it stands as one of the few historic buildings in Warsaw that survived World War II almost completely intact. It was originally designed as a summer residence and has been dubbed "The Polish Versailles." The palace was built between 1681 and 1696 for King Jan III Sobieski, one of Poland's most celebrated monarchs known for his crucial victory against the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The name "Wilanów" actually comes from the Italian phrase "villa nuova" (new villa).
The architecture of the palace is a distinctive mix of Baroque and Polish aristocratic traditions, with influences from Italian villas and French palaces. Its lavishly decorated rooms, including the White Hall, the King's Bedroom, and the Great Hall are filled with original furniture, paintings, and royal artefacts. Since 1805, the palace has also functioned as a museum and was actually one of the first public museums in Poland. The museum exhibits include collections of art and curiosities, various items related to King Jan III Sobieski, including his armour and personal belongings, as will as insights into the Polish nobility, the royal court, and daily life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The palace is surrounded by expansive and beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in Baroque and English landscape styles. These meticulously constructed gardens include formal flowerbeds and symmetrical lawns inspired by Versailles, a romantic lake and English-style park as well as sculptures, fountains, and hidden paths that create a serene atmosphere.
Warsaw is a bustling city that has become Poland’s preeminent cultural and economic hub, the ad can be explored easily on foot.
On your private tour, you will:
Your tour begins with some of the most important historical and cultural sites of the city in Old Town, where you will see the striking mix of architectural styles woven throughout the area. Then you’ll explore the castle, where you will have the chance to admire its spectacular architecture, paintings, and décor. You will see the impressive Royal Castle, a replica of the official residence of the Polish monarchs, the original being destroyed in WW2 by the Nazis. After your castle tour, you will stop for lunch at a place your guide recommends, where you can enjoy a bit of free time.
In the afternoon, you’ll be taken to see one of the best bird’s eye views of the city, over 375 feet above the city. Then, visit one of the most spectacular old palaces in Europe – the seventeenth-century Wilanow Palace, which has survived two world wars and Poland’s numerous border changes. On your private tour, your guide will take you through the palace, where you’ll have the chance to see the museum’s collection and hear how many of the pieces were stolen under the Nazi regime and the efforts to recover the pieces after the war. After the palace museum, your guide will take you through the equally impressive gardens, the grounds’ cemetery, and the Church of St Anna Wilanow. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be taken back to Warsaw, where you can either be dropped off at your hotel or at a place of your choosing in the city centre.
Visit one of the most spectacular old palaces in Europe – the seventeenth-century Wilanow Palace, which has survived two world wars and Poland’s numerous border changes.
On your private tour, you will:
The sprawling grounds of Wilanow Palace juxtaposed with the imposing palace are the perfect place to lose yourself in the grand history of Poland’s Baroque era, while also exploring some of the country’s best-preserved architectural and royal heritage.
On your private, three-hour tour, your guide will take you through the palace, where you’ll have the chance to see the museum’s collection and hear how many of the pieces were stolen under the Nazi regime and the efforts to recover the pieces after the war. After the palace museum, your guide will take you through the equally impressive gardens, the grounds’ cemetery, and the Church of St Anna Wilanow.
At the conclusion of your tour, you will be taken back to Warsaw, where you can either be dropped off at your hotel or at a place of your choosing in the city centre.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.