Stanisław August Poniatowski

Saviour, scapegoat, reformer? However he is viewed, few deny Poland’s last king was a passionate patron of the arts

Poland’s last king, Stanisław Poniatowski may not have saved Poland from its dismemberment, but through his lasting legacy of art and architecture, particularly in Łazienki, he was able to create a vision of Poland as a country that was worth fighting to restore. /PAP

On the 221st anniversary of King Stanisław Poniatowski’s death, TFN’s Stuart Dowell explores his attempt to drag Poland into the Age of Enlightenment through his promotion of the arts, the most tangible evidence being Royal Łazienki in Warsaw.

Kept in a vault under armed guard, TFN gets exclusive glimpse at ‘hugely important’ painting hidden from public view for 200 years

Bought by the Royal Castle in Warsaw for an undisclosed price, director Professor Wojciech Fałkowski said the painting by the court artist of Poland’s last king arrived in Warsaw six days ago.

A courtly controversy: arguments still rage over whether the country’s last king was good or bad for Poland

Stanisław August Poniatowski remains a deeply divisive figure in Polish history.

Ghosts, corpses, stunning frescoes and a heavenly choir – Poland’s oldest school has them all

Dating back to the 12th century, the oldest school in Poland doesn’t disappoint those expecting the country’s version of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Ghosts are alleged to stalk the corridors, pupils share the grounds with over 600 corpses, and its alumni include leaders, presidents and saints. TFN’s Stuart Dowell went to find out more.

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