Racot – Palace History and Stud Farm Tradition
Accommodation in Racot
Racot brings together the history of a Polish noble residence and a horse-breeding tradition that remains active today. The Neoclassical palace of the Princes Jabłonowski dates from the 18th century and was designed by Dominik Merlini. Visitors interested in cultural history and riding activities will find two distinct sides to the town: a heritage shaped by court life and a stud farm with activities for today’s visitors. When planning your visit, consider whether your main interest is architectural and church history or activities involving horses.
Palace History, Park and Church
The term Neoclassical refers to architecture inspired by ancient models. In 1921, the palace became a residence of the Presidents of the Republic of Poland. One of Poland’s first court theatre stages was located in the palace, where works by Józef Wybicki and Wojciech Bogusławski were performed. The palace therefore represents not only an 18th-century building, but also Poland’s political and court history.
A park laid out in the English style adjoins the palace. The building and the park offer contrasting design features: Neoclassical architecture and an English-style landscape. The coach house displays a preserved carriage in which Ignacy Jan Paderewski travelled in December 1918. Alongside the architectural history, visitors can therefore explore the park’s design and a specific link to Polish history.
The church in Racot is the palace chapel associated with the Jabłonowski family. Dedicated to Saint Stanislaus and Saint George, it served both the Catholic and Protestant communities over the course of its history. A Protestant congregation in Racot was founded on 18 March 1817. The church and congregation thus provide a distinct religious dimension to the town’s history.
Horse Breeding and Riding Activities
The history of the local horse-breeding operation dates back to 1925. The Racot State Stud Farm was founded in 1928 on the palace estate. The dates mark different milestones: local horse breeding predates the founding of the state stud farm.
The stud farm offers recreational riding and riding lessons for beginners, including adults and children. The riding facilities include an indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding area, a hippodrome and parkland suitable for riding. The complex combines an indoor arena with additional riding areas.
Under an instructor’s supervision, children can enjoy 20-minute pony rides and try simple exercises. Hippotherapy is also available for people with health problems. Pony rides are a short, supervised activity, while beginner lessons and recreational riding are offered separately.
Events and Accommodation
The stud farm’s long-standing event traditions include Hubertus, Powitanie wiosny, Majówka and Mikołajki. If one of these events is important to your trip, check its specific date against your travel dates.
The palace now houses high-quality three-star accommodation and a modern training and leisure centre. If you are considering staying overnight in Racot, check the hotel’s availability for your travel dates.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Czempiń, Śmigiel, Cichowo, Gorzyczki, Kościan, Gryżyna, Lubiń, Jarogniewice.
For the main travel overview: Costs.
