Brynek Palace

Brynek Palace is an eclectic residence of 1829, rebuilt in the early 20th century for the Henckel von Donnersmarck family. It stands in the village of Brynek in Tworóg municipality, surrounded by a landscape park, and today serves a forestry school.

From Rosenthal to the Donnersmarcks

The palace was built in 1829 by Bernard von Rosenthal of Wrocław for Prince Adolf zu Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen. In 1904 the estate was bought by Count Hugo II Henckel von Donnersmarck of Siemianowice. The last rebuilding, to a design by the Wrocław architect Karl Grosser, lasted until 1905 and gave the building its present eclectic appearance.

What the building looks like

The two-storey palace has a terrace with a stone balustrade and a loggia on the south. Above the entrance portico stand two Ionic columns, and the sides of the main body are closed by two towers with onion domes. Above a first-floor window is a cartouche with the Donnersmarck coat of arms, and above it an attic with figures of a hunter, a worker, a farmer and a fisherman. A chapel with an onion dome is linked to the west wing by a gallery; since 1991 it has belonged to the Church. Inside, a library with wooden panelling and a ballroom with marble columns have survived.

Park and outbuildings

The complex includes a park of about 36 ha with a botanical garden, as well as a water tower with a clock from 1906, an orangery, gatehouses with wrought-iron gates, a riding hall and an annexe. Right next to it also lies the botanical garden in Brynek.

Practical information

• Address: Brynek, Park 5, Tworóg municipality, Tarnowskie Góry County.
• The palace houses the boarding house of the Forestry and Ecological School Complex, so the interiors are accessible by prior arrangement with the school administration.
• The building is entered in the heritage register (number 658/66 of 1966).