Welcome to the first edition of an exciting new blog series, "Discovering Poland by the Weekend". If you're looking for some weekend trip ideas in Poland and a quick escape from your busy city or town, and want to explore the wonders of Poland, then this series is perfect for you!
As a resident of Łódź, located in central Poland, I'm thrilled to share my local insights and recommendations with you. Join me as we embark on an adventure-filled journey to discover the hidden gems and cultural treasures of this beautiful country. So pack your bags, and let's get ready to explore Poland by the weekend! Our first stop, Antonin!
What is Antonin?
Antonin is a small village located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship (województwo Wielkopolskie), which is located in west-central Poland. The village is situated in the Ostrów Wielkopolski County, which is a part of the Greater Poland region known for its rich royal history and beautiful landscapes. The small town, with a population of about 450 people, is located about three and a half hours west of Warsaw, making ts a great contender for a small weekend trip.
The village is best known for its involvement with the Radziwiłłów royal family and its hosting of the famous Polish composer, Frederic Chopin. The most well known landmark of the village is the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów (hunting palace of the Radziwiłłów royal family) and some lesser known landmarks including the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which dates back to the 18th century and features beautiful Baroque architecture.
The surrounding area of Antonin is characterised by lush forests, fields, and small lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several hiking and cycling trails in the area, as well as some opportunities for fishing and hunting.
Overall, Antonin is a quiet and peaceful village that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and rich history of the Greater Poland region.
Why is Antonin Worth Visiting?
Antonin is a small but charming village that offers a peaceful weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Antonin:
Rich history: Antonin has a long and fascinating history which is intertwined with Polish royalty. Visitors can explore many historic landmarks and buildings, including Royal Hunting Palace, the park complex, and the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is the final resting place for many members of the Razdiwiłłów royal family.
Natural beauty: The village is surrounded by lush forests, fields, and small lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, and hunting.
Tranquility and relaxation: Antonin is a quiet and peaceful village with a chill atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life.
Local culture and traditions: Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions of the Greater Poland region by attending festivals and events that celebrate local cuisine, music, and art. We embarked on the tradition of the region and indulged in fish caught in the local lake and some wild boar burgers from the nearby forests.
Overall, Antonin is a hidden gem in the Greater Poland Voivodeship that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and local culture.
A Royal Weekend Excursion
Treat yourself like a royal for the weekend and stay in the palace of the noble Radziwiłł family! Immerse yourself in the music of Chopin who found his inspiration within those very halls, maybe you will even find some inspiration. Evening come, sit down at the palaces restaurant and fancy yourself to some food and wine or go out to the local restaurant and try some local cuisine.
The next day go outside and venture through the lush forests of the region. With a prominent Parks Department nearby, learn about the nature right outside and go on a guided path where all different types of plants and animals are marked out. Return to the building for the afternoon and read about the vast history of this small palace
The Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów (as seen above) is a historic hunting palace located in Antonin, Poland. The palace was built in the 19th century for the noble Radziwiłł family, who were known for their love of hunting and outdoor activities. Famous Polish figures visited this palace, the most notable being Frederic Chopin who even found inspiration for some of his music at this very place! The palace is situated in a beautiful park with lush greenery, ponds, and walking paths. It features a distinctive architecture with a mix of Baroque and neoclassical elements, and its interiors are decorated with antique furniture, paintings, and hunting trophies.
The Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów was used as a residence and hunting lodge by the Radziwiłł family until the early 20th century. After World War II, the palace was used for various purposes, including as a school and a health resort. In recent years, the palace has been restored and is now open to visitors. It serves as a museum and cultural center that showcases the history and traditions of the Radziwiłł family and the Greater Poland region. Visitors can explore the palace's interiors, including the hunting room, dining room, and drawing room, as well as the park and its surroundings.
Overall, the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów is a fascinating attraction in Antonin that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and outdoor activities.
About the Radziwiłł Royal Family
The Radziwiłł family is a noble family that played an important role in the history of Poland and Lithuania. The family was one of the most powerful and influential in the region, with vast estates and significant political and cultural influence.
In Antonin, the Radziwiłłów family owned a hunting palace known as the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów, which was built in the 19th century. The palace served as a residence and hunting lodge for the family, who were known for their love of hunting and outdoor activities.
The Radziwiłłów family had a significant impact on the local community in Antonin and the surrounding area. They were patrons of the arts and supported many cultural and educational initiatives, including the construction of churches, schools, and other public buildings.
During the Second World War, the Radziwiłłów family suffered greatly. Many of their estates were confiscated by the Nazis, and many family members were imprisoned or killed in concentration camps.
After the war, the Radziwiłłów family faced significant challenges, including the loss of their estates and political power. However, they continued to be active in cultural and educational initiatives, and their legacy lives on in the many historic landmarks and cultural institutions that they supported.
Today, the Radziwiłłów family is remembered for their contributions to Polish and Lithuanian culture and history. In Antonin, the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów serves as a testament to their love of hunting, architecture, and the arts, and continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
Why Was Chopin at the Palace?
Frédéric Chopin, the renowned composer and pianist, had a connection to the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów in Antonin. In 1829, Chopin was invited by the Radziwiłłów family to stay at the palace while he was traveling through the region.
During his stay, Chopin composed several pieces, including the famous "Polonaise in G minor, Op. posth. 22". The piece is said to have been inspired by Chopin's experiences at the palace and his admiration for the Radziwiłłów family and their love of Polish culture and traditions.
Today, visitors to the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów can see a collection of Chopin's letters and manuscripts, as well as a piano that is believed to have been played by Chopin during his stay at the palace.
The connection between Chopin and the Radziwiłłów family adds another layer of cultural significance to the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów, highlighting its role as a hub of artistic and intellectual activity in the region.
Was A Radziwiłł Prince a Nazi?
One of the more controversial moments in the history of the Radziwiłłów family and the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów in Antonin was when one of the family members attempted to sell the estate to Adolf Hitler.
During World War II, nobleman Michał Radziwiłł, the son of the last owner of the Antonin estate, attempted to negotiate with the Nazi regime to sell the palace and its lands to them. The negotiations were unsuccessful, and the Radziwiłł family was eventually forced to flee the area as Soviet forces advanced. The palace was subsequently used by the Nazis as a military hospital and later as a command center.
The attempt to sell the Antonin estate to Hitler remains a controversial episode in the history of the Radziwiłł family and the Pałac Myśliwski Radziwiłłów. However, it also reflects the complex and challenging circumstances faced by many Polish noble families during the tumultuous period of World War II. Many criticized Michał Radziwiłł for being a Nazi sympathizer. After this, the public would distrust the Radziwiłł family and their reputation crumbled. Michał Radziwiłł, who was also caught up in many other scandles, like divorce and adulture, would leave as a disgraced individual and spend the rest of his days outside of Poland before dying on a plane crash in Spain.
How to Get to Antonin, Poland?
To get there from Łódź, Poland, we simple went by train. Travelling by train in Poland is quick, easy, and comfortable! Saturday morning, we hopped on a train from Łódź Kaliska which went to Ostrów Wielkopolski. From Ostrów Wielkopolski, we took a regional train directly to Antonin and then just walked to the palace where we spent the night!
The best way to find tickets is the use the official Polish train company's website, PKP intercity, and for regional trains the best is e-podróznik, these are really the only two websites you will require for travel within Poland!
How to Stay in the Radziwiłł Castle?
To book a stay within the castle you have two options. One is for those trying to practice their Polish and another is for those who want no hassle and just wanna book their royal weekend.
Book through booking here: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/palac-mysliwski-w-antoninie.pl.html
Book via phone (call them directly and ask to reserve a room): +48 62 73 48 300
The price changes sometimes but you can expect a two-person room for one night to cost about 200 PLN which is a great price for what you get! I hope you enjoyed the first of this series and make sure you go out to see Antonin and experience some real Polish history!