Potots’kyi Palace in Tul'chyn

In a little historical town Tul’chyn in Podillya region a wonderful Potots’kyi Palace is located. In the beginning of 18th century it was one of the greatest estates in Europe. It used to be the residence of a count, Stanislaw Shens’kyi-Potots’kyi. Everybody was impressed with the luxury of this wonderful palace located on the big square. It was built in the classical style designed by French architect Lacroix. It was a large building of two storeys and outhouses that were connected with rounded galleries. From afar you could see a bright and glittering roof of the palace, which was polished before visitors’ arrival or for ferias. Magnificent balls have token place there. You could hear wonderful music and see masquerade or theatrical performances in its halls. Visitors from far abroad have come there for weeks or even months – it was so fun and cozy there! Potots’kyi has received famous guests of honour in his residence. It was called Royal Versailles. When Polish king Stanislaw-August visited Potots’kyi Residence, he was impressed with its wealth, but at the same time he was disappointed Royal Palace in Poland was inferior to the luxury of the palace in Tul’chyn.

Rich interior of Potots’kyi Residence would impress you! The walls were designed with wonderful canvas of Raphael, Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens and van Dyck as well as family coat of arms and flags, portraits of the Potots’kis. The court was proud of his great collection of coins, canvas and china ware. There was a big library in the palace, where the greatest masterpieces of world classic literature were kept. According to some historical sources the wealth of Potots’kyi was equated with Kaiser’s one. Nobody could explain origin of these treasures. According to one of versions, the palace has underground secret passages, where monk-alchemists made gold for the court. People say, one of the secret passages connected the court’s palace with a Roman Catholic Church located on the hill. This underground road was so wide and spacious that Stanislaw went to this church by his carriage.

Architectural ensemble of the palace was in a harmonious blend with a beautiful Khoroshe Park. It was laid in honour of beautiful Greek woman Sofia, with whom Stanislaw lived in the palace. The Park was buried in verdure – there were Italian poplar and pine, as well as different exotic plants. Numerous cascades, sculptures, fountains, marble stairs and bathing huts created an unforgettable view of the park. It was a favourite place of young ladies to walk. Different holidays and entertainments took place there. On the territory of the park greenhouses were located. Mandarins, lemons and oranges used to grow there, also one could see cages with fabulous birds.

Time passed and nowadays the palace looks another way. Unfortunately, its wealth and luxury are not preserved until our days. But front stairs still remind of previous splendour of Potots’kyi Palace.