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Zelazowa Wola Review

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Zelazowa Wola

  • Address: Zelazowa Wola
  • Phone: 046/863-33-00

Fodor's Review:

A mecca for all Fryderyk Chopin lovers, the composer's birthplace is a small 19th-century manor house, still with its original furnishings and now a museum dedicated to telling the story of the composer's life. When Chopin was born here on February 22 (or March 1) 1810, his father was a live-in tutor for the children of the wealthy Skarbek family. Although the family soon moved to Warsaw, Fryderyk used to return many times for holidays, and the house -- not to mention the sounds and sights of the Mazovian countryside -- is said to have influenced him in his early years.

The manor is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park that was planted in 1930s and designed by Franciszek Krzywda Polkowski. In summer, from May through September, concerts are held on the house's terrace every Sunday at noon and 3 PM. On weekdays, at noon, there are presentations of young artists and talented students playing Chopin.

If you are driving, take Route 2 (E30) west out of Warsaw, and at Sochaczew, turn north on Route 580. The house is also reachable by PKS bus and by private minibuses running from Warsaw's main bus station, but several companies also offer guided tours that include both Zelazowa Wola and Nieborów, the estate of the Radziwill family (and sometimes Arkadia Park as well).

  • Cost: zl 12
  • Open: May-Sept., Tues.-Sun 9:30-5:30; Oct.-Apr. 9:30-4

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