Manowce Palace in north-west Poland has been recognised as the foremost wedding venue in Europe, according to a ranking from the travel portal European Best Destination.
Outranking destinations like Venice, Santorini, Antibes, and Paris, Manowce Palace in the historic town of Nowe Warpno received an enthusiastic and positive evaluation.
Set against a backdrop of a gleaming lake on one side and surrounded by dense woodland on the others, Manowce Palace exudes a naturally secluded and romantic ambience. Despite its tranquil setting, its mere 45-minute proximity to Szczecin has established it as a preferred destination for romantic escapes and weddings.
The property’s history traces back to an 18th-century tar kiln and later a timber yard before being reimagined in the early 20th century by Georg Wegner, with Theodor Bless widely believed to be the creative mind behind its design.
„Imagine a historic property, in vast woods and right on the shore of a large lagoon next to the Baltic sea, the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding. We love this unique place in the world, which makes us think of the home of the „Great Gatsby” movie with Leonardo di Caprio or the decor of the elegant and sparkling atmosphere of „Marie-Antoinette” with Kirsten Dust. The difference is that Manowce Palace is not a fiction but a real dream place for a perfect marriage. ” – described by European Best Destinations portal.
The portal emphasised the limousine and coach services from Berlin among the offerings.
„Manowce Palace has a wide choice of the most beautiful wedding dresses and suits to hire, a hairdresser for the bride, makeup artists, flowers, photographers, videographers and even musicians. Your wedding ceremony can take place inside or outside this sumptuous palace and your photo shoots in the sublime photogenic park of Manowce Palace will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Manowce Palace also offers an elegant bridal suite and suites for your closest guests. Your other guests can be accommodated in beautiful hotels near Manowce Palace.”
Constructed in a grand neoclassical style, the mansion was finished around 1905, and soon after completion, Wegner, the director of the Szczecin hospital, became its resident. By 1923, the property changed ownership when it was bought by engineer Eduard Silbernagel. However, a mere 18 years later, he sold it to the National Socialist People’s Welfare organisation. The motive behind this transaction remains uncertain; some speculate financial issues for Silbernagel, while others believe external pressures related to its strategic location near two militarised ports played a role.
Online, speculations have circulated suggesting its use as a hospital for injured German sailors, with more extravagant claims labelling it as Hermann Goring’s villa. Historians have unequivocally refuted these stories. However, confirmed historical information indicates that the palace served as a Gauschule (Nazi officials’ training centre) and a refuge for German mothers. Additionally, it is probable that the palace provided shelter for refugees displaced by Allied bombings in Hamburg and, towards the war’s end, for Germans seeking refuge from the advancing Red Army.
Surviving the Soviet upheaval in 1945, the palace endured a brief occupation by Russian troops. Following the European map redraw, it served briefly as a station for border guards. During much of the PRL era, it was managed by the Society of the Friends of Children. Apart from hosting children’s summer camps, it served as a retreat for government officials based in Warsaw.
Like many historical properties, Manowce Palace faced significant challenges after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Initially purchased by an ambitious investor with plans for a restaurant and hotel, the project was abandoned, resulting in damage to many original details. After a period of neglect, the palace found a more dedicated owner in the last decade, initiating a sensitive renovation program. Completed in 2017, the results have received unanimous approval. Seamlessly blending classic elegance with modern comforts, the palace has come full circle, once again becoming a place of contentment and pleasure. Its latest accolade further underscores its credentials.
Author: Patrycja Bodzek-Kurzyńska
Photo: manowce.pl
