A beautiful part of Poland’s heritage is embodied in its historic castles and palaces. In Wielkopolskie Province, the hunting lodge-styled Antonin Palace was built in the shape of a Greek cross. Designed by Karol Fryderyk Schinkel for Prince Antoni Radziwiłł, it features a music salon dedicated to composer Frédéric Chopin, a repeat guest of the prince. The pink-hued Książ Castle in Wałbrzych has a little bit of everything: secret tunnels, the ghost of a princess and stolen treasures hidden by Nazi soldiers in
1945. Fit for a fairytale, the 16^th-century Wiśnicz Castle in Nowy Wisnicz is said by many to be haunted by the spirit of a lady dressed in white. Once considered the country’s most powerful stronghold, the castle contains a number of exhibitions including models of Polish castles.

Equally enchanting — and used in films including Harry Potter and several Disney productions — Moszna Castle is a blend of Baroque, neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance architecture with 99 tall, magical spires. During summer, camps for teens are held here. Originally built during the 14th century, the Royal Castle in Warsaw has been bombed, blown up, looted, rebuilt, expanded, repaired and renovated. Ongoing conservation efforts include reconstructing the gardens and the Kubicki Arcades. Permanent exhibitions include a collection of Oriental carpets, the Numismatic Cabinet and the Lanckoroński Collection of sculpture, decorative arts and works by Rembrandt including Girl in a Picture Frame. For early Renaissance architecture, Gołuchów Castle along the River Trzemna was partially rebuilt in the 19th century in French Renaissance style. It’s set amidst Poland’s largest landscape park.