Old Castle and Habsburg Park in Żywiec
The history of the residential complex in Żywiec dates back to the 15th century when it was erected as a defensive structure owned by the Komorowski family. Later it was transformed into a Renaissance palatial residence and finally the Habsburgs had it rebuilt in the neo-Gothic and neoclassical styles. The complex comprises the Komorowskis’ Old Castle with stables and coach house, the Habsburgs’ New Palace and an English-style park with elements of garden architecture. The last general renovation work was done in the mid-19th century; after that only occasional repairs were performed and the complex slowly fell into decay.
Since 2002 the local authorities, supported by the Habsburg family, have been raising funds for carrying out the successive stages of revitalization. In the course of renovation and modernization work, the Old Castle slowly regained its original appearance, part of it adapted for the Town Museum, which moved its historical and archaeological sections here. Horses and birds are bred again in the castle park, the stables are now home to the Museum of Hunting and Carriages while the coach house has been turned into a regional chamber featuring folk craft workshops, folk art gallery and cafeteria.
The project also included the restoration of the magnificent Habsburg park and the refurbishment of the Old Castle outbuildings and the Chinese Lodge to accommodate the Centre for Promotion of Żywiec Culture. A modern cultural/tourist information centre was opened, as was an ethnographic exhibition of regional traditions. Apart from a variety of displays, visitors to the palace complex can see a traditional Żywiec forge, pottery workshop and a reconstructed mint, have a ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the park, sip tea in the Chinese Lodge and, in the evening, enjoy a sound and light show in the courtyard. There are also theatre shows and dell’arte performances presenting scenes from the history of the palace and town.
This unique product of cultural tourism draws upon the centuries-old history, culture and traditions of the Żywiec region (Żywiec became a town in 1327). It has markedly contributed to raising the attractiveness of the town and its surroundings, which resulted in an economic boom. The project was nominated for the main award in the 4th contest Poland Even More Beautiful. Seven Miracles of EU Funds in the Historic Building category.
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