Alley in the Saski Garden

The municipal garden in Lublin, known as the Saxon Garden, was established in 1837 behind the former Warsaw tollgate, on land previously belonging to the Observant Dominicans (now Racławicki Avenue). The project was the brainchild of provincial engineer Feliks Łodzia-Bieczyński. The area, located close to the city centre and planted with greenery, was a place of recreation for Lublin residents. Seweryn Zenon Sierpiński wrote about it in his oldest guide to the city, published in 1839. Initially, access to the garden was restricted. Only elegantly dressed people were allowed in, which met with strong opposition in the local press. In 1889, the garden was enclosed by a brick fence to protect it from devastation. The illuminated paved park alleys were beautiful walking routes. Ornamental trees and bushes were planted on an area of 13 hectares. On Bieczyński's initiative, a white mulberry plantation was established in the garden for silkworm breeding. Flowerbeds with flowers were also designed. The whole garden was arranged in the English style. A picturesque arbour and a neo-Gothic doorkeeper's house were built. The reconstructed old powder magazine was to serve as the gardener's flat. A sundial also appeared here. At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a zoo in the garden. A chapel with the remains of those who died of the plague in the 18th century still stands on the side of Racławickie Avenue. The Saski Garden, immortalised on postcards, was a grateful subject for photographers. The 19th/20th century photograph by the little-known author T.M. Dagayev is one example of a charming view of the oldest town garden in Lublin.