They call it the "Polish Versailles". An extraordinary palace two hours from Warsaw

It takes just over two hours by car from the centre of Warsaw to find yourself at the gates of the Branicki Palace in Białystok. The former magnate residence, which today serves as the seat of the Medical University of Białystok, is one of the best-preserved monuments of this type in Poland. It makes a huge impression on tourists, who often compare it to the Palace of the Kingdom in Versailles. However, visiting the interior of the building and its gardens remains relatively cheap. An adult will pay only PLN 25 for a ticket here.

The Branicki Palace is a must-see attraction in Podlasie

Białystok is one of the most underrated cities in Poland. The capital of the Podlaskie province, to the surprise of many tourists, has at least a few noteworthy attractions. The most important of them is definitely the Branicki Palace, which will delight even Varsovians who regularly visit the Museum of King Jan III's Palace in Wilanów.

The Białystok residence, often called the "Polish Versailles" or "Versailles of Podlasie", has much in common with its French counterpart. First, both palaces were built in the Baroque style - full of splendor and symmetry. The inspiration can also be seen in the case of extensive gardens designed in the French style.

Guided tours

Entry to the Branicki Palace for an adult costs 30 or 25 PLN depending on the type of route (students will pay 10 PLN less). This price already includes the service of a guide who will show us around for an hour (or 90 minutes, in the case of a longer route) and tell us about the most important places in the former residence.

Both routes include, among others, a visit to a multimedia exhibition in the 17th-century palace cellars, exhibitions devoted to the history of medicine and an exhibition devoted to the history of the palace gardens. Additionally, during the longer route you can see the representative interiors of the Branicki Palace (including the Aula Magna). Reservations for the tour must be confirmed by phone.

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