Zaluski Library (A HOUSE UNDER THE KINGS.)
It was built between 1616 and 1624 for the noble man Mikolaj Danilowicz, the crown treasurer.
In 1736 it was bought by the great crown chancellor, bishop Andrzej Zaluski, who made it rebuilt and enlarged for the library purpose. Since 1747 it became the first in Poland and one of very few in Europe, public library.
In 18th century The Zaluski Library had an enormous collection of old prints, manuscripts and etchings which had been carried away in 1795 to St. Petersburg, Russia, by order of Tsarina Katherina, after the Kosciuszko Insurrection had collapsed.
The building was destroyed by fire in 1807. A new owner had it reconstructed for residential purpose after 1821.
During the construction works in 1824, several stone busts of Polish kings had been discovered in the basement. Originally they were made in 1621 and decorated library rooms, but probably were hidden underground in the first years of annexation of Poland.
After this discovery the busts were installed on the outside walls of the building, but also several new were made and added - of those kings who reigned after 1621.
In 1900 the residence has been named "a house under the kings".
The lacking busts of three kings and one queen of Poland were added in the 1960's and now there's a whole 40 pieces group on the walls.
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