Borch Palace (Pałac Borchów)

This Baroque palace was built in the 18th century for banker Piotr de Riacour, on the site of what was previously a wooden house of some 17th century nobles. Around 1780, the building was redesigned in the classicist style by Dominik Merlini; between 1768-1800 the palace belonged to the Borch family, until Ludwik Nast took it over, and used it to house his well-known restaurant and confectionery. In 1843 the building was home to the Archbishop of Warsaw. It was severely damaged during WWII, as it was burned during the Warsaw Uprising. It was rebuilt in 1949-1954, using new designs by Stanisław Marzyński. Pope John Paul II stayed there during his pilgrimage to his native country. Currently, it is the seat of the Polish Cardinal-Primates.