Balice: Palace, Park and Village Landscape
Accommodation in Balice
Balice can be explored from two different perspectives: the Radziwiłł Palace and its landscaped park, and the village centre, which lies mostly in the valley. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Balice, these cultural and landscape features give you a clear impression of the destination.
Balice at a glance
- The built-up village centre lies mostly in the valley of the Borowy Potok (Baliczanka).
- The Radziwiłł Palace acquired its present form through an extensive renovation carried out from 1887 to 1894.
- The landscaped park covers about four hectares and was laid out towards the end of the 19th century.
- A section of the VeloRudawa, around 3.3 km long, is planned from Zabierzów to Balice.
What defines the Radziwiłł Palace?
Architecturally, the Radziwiłł Palace is modelled on Baroque residences. Its square main building is complemented by two projecting side wings. An east wing is connected by a gallery and houses the hotel. The layout distinguishes the main building, the side wings and the connected east wing as clearly recognisable elements of the building.
The palace acquired its present form through an extensive renovation between 1887 and 1894. Its earlier history goes back further: the Szembek family built the palace around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries on the site of an older villa belonging to the Boner family. This makes it possible to distinguish the building’s origins from its later remodelling.
Which historic buildings are part of the surrounding area?
The landscaped park, covering about four hectares, surrounds the palace and was laid out towards the end of the 19th century. Outbuildings, granaries, a former cowshed and other buildings have been preserved in the immediate vicinity of the park. Most date from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Two historic entrance gates complete the architectural setting.
Balice is also home to several historic houses dating from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The historic village landscape therefore includes not only the palace and park, but also other buildings in the village. These buildings offer different points of reference for understanding Balice’s history beyond a single estate.
What is the landscape of Balice like?
The built-up village centre of Balice lies mostly in the valley of the Borowy Potok (Baliczanka). This valley cuts into the tectonic edge of the Garb Tenczyński. The valley setting describes the landscape around the village centre.
Another watercourse is located in Balickie Doły: a narrow stream flows there and is a tributary of the Borowy Potok (Baliczanka). Two different features stand out in the landscape: the valley where the built-up village centre lies, and the stream in Balickie Doły.
What does the planned VeloRudawa mean for travel planning?
For cycling plans, it is important to note the status of the section described: a route of around 3.3 km from Zabierzów to Balice is planned as part of the VeloRudawa. It is intended to pass through the localities of Zabierzów, Szczyglice and Balice in the municipality of Zabierzów. The section is described as a plan. If you want to base your route on it, check its current status beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Krzeszowice, Wrząsowice, Modlnica, Sąspów, Rząska, Bolechowice, Sułoszowa, Czernichów
FAQ
When did the Radziwiłł Palace acquire its present form?
It acquired its present form through an extensive renovation from 1887 to 1894. The palace itself was built around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.
How large is the landscaped park?
The landscaped park covers about four hectares. It was laid out towards the end of the 19th century.
Can the VeloRudawa section already be used for a cycling tour?
The section, around 3.3 km long, is described as a planned route. Check its current status before including it in your tour.
Go to the main travel overview: Kraków.
