THE MAGNATE RESIDENCE OF THE RADZIWIŁŁ FAMILY IN BIAŁA PODLASKA – HISTORY, TRANSFORMATIONS, STATE OF PRESERVATION
DOROTA ANTONOWICZ, KINGA KIMIC
ABSTRACT
The palace and park complex of the Radziwiłł family in Biała Podlaska constitutes one of the most outstanding architectural developments of the 17th century erected within the area of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In spite of the fact that the main body of the palace did not survive until today (it was demolished in 1883), the remaining buildings – three outbuildings enclosing one of the largest palace courtyards in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the palace chapel, tower, entrance gate, and ramparts built according to the old Dutch system, surrounding the entire complex – still constitute an extremely valuable site, closely connected with the city’s spatial structure and its history.
Based on a review of source literature and analyses of information from archival sources – descriptive, iconographic, and cartographic alike, and taking into consideration the restoration concepts and projects developed in the 2nd half of the 20th century – an attempt was made at presenting the consecutive phases of development and transformations of this historic complex in the successive periods of its existence. This made it possible to assess its state of preservation. The historical analysis carried out forms the basis for pointing out suggestions for further activities aimed at bringing out and preserving the values of this unique complex.
Key words: palace and park complex, fortifications, Radziwiłł family, Biała Podlaska, G. Ciołek’s design project, E. Bartman’s design project