25 km from Krakow, 12 km from Wieliczka, near the E4 route The Grodkowice estate is the former seat of the Zeleński family, a noble family (in the past Calvinist),residing here since the 17th century. The family, although mainly engaged in agriculture, can also boast famous artists who came from it. The well-known Polish composer Wladyslaw Zelenski was born here, and it was also here that Wladyslaw's son Tadeusz Boy- Zelenski, a writer, theater critic, columnist and author of the lyrics of the "Green Balloon" cabaret, used to visit his uncle for vacations. The Zeleński family, who founded the famous Stained Glass Factory in Krakow, also originated from here. The current palace, built in 1902 to replace a now defunct 17th-century manor house, was designed by Teodor Talowski in an eclectic style, which is a conglomeration of elements of Romantic and Neo-Renaissance architecture and German Modernism. It is a one-story building, built of red brick and light-colored stone. It is surrounded by a park, creating an oasis of greenery, effectively cutting off views of the outside, modern world. On the main entrance is the maxim: "Sibi Amico et posteritati" - "To oneself, friend and posterity" After 1945, the Zeleński estate was nationalized and handed over to the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization. In 2003 the palace was included in the list of architectural objects promoted during the 5th Malopolska Days of Cultural Heritage.
29.08.2013
