Edited by MCK Sokół | Lesser Poland
Jan Kiepura commissions a unique hotel in Krynica-Zdrój
Country: Poland
Region: Lesser Poland
Type of inspiration: History
Inspiracja
The Hotel "Patria" in Krynica-Zdrój is one of the most interesting architectural structures built during the interwar period in Poland. The modernist building was built between 1932 and 1934 on Pulaski Street on the initiative of Jan Kiepura, an actor and opera singer of international fame. The artist decided to invest his earned fortune in a hotel and entrusted its design to Bogdan Pniewski (1897-1965), one of the leading architects of the Warsaw milieu. Kiepura chose Krynica-Zdrój as the site, which was at the time a thriving spa, rich in mineral water deposits.
"Patria" was officially opened in December 1935. The building was given four storeys and a terrace. Along each floor, along the entire length of the hotel, there are balconies, which together with monumental pillars and glazing rhythmise the front elevation. Pniewski made sure that Patria, in accordance with Kiepura's wishes, stood out in terms of luxurious solutions. The interiors feature marble and alabaster, the hotel also has a revolving entrance door and elaborate details in glass and chrome-plated steel. Jan Kiepura made sure that the facility was accessible to everyone, so it was possible to rent both a luxury suite and a tiny room without a bathroom. One of the reminders of the tenor's presence in the hotel is the piano in the ballroom, on which Kiepura used to play his concerts.
See the error? Do you know more information? Report it to us.
Write to us.
