Published: 2026-06-26

"The view from the top of the hill is very beautiful". Warsaw gardens as told by Szymon Bogumił Zug

Alina Barczyk

Abstract

A noteworthy source for the history of the capital's landscaped greenery is Szymon Bogumił Zug's publication "Warsaw Gardens in 1784." In it, the architect discussed the compositions he considered most interesting in terms of history and aesthetic value. He paid particular attention to publicly accessible areas, eagerly visited by Warsaw residents. Among the complexes retaining Baroque forms, royal residences (Saxon Garden, Wilanów) and estates belonging to the ruling elite from the 17th and 18th centuries (Krasiński Garden, Heinrich von Brühl's residences in Wola and Nowy Świat) dominated. Zug's particular attention was drawn to complexes associated with Stanisław August Poniatowski (Ujazdów) and his brother, Kazimierz ("Na Książęcem," "Na Górze"), as well as gardens and pavilions he himself designed (such as Powązki, Mokotów, and Elizeum). The analysis of private residential complexes was complemented by a look at forest areas. 

Keywords:

Warsaw, gardens, XVIII century, Zug Szymon Bogumił, landscape architecture

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