What are the most intriguing, abandoned historic buildings in Lower Silesia? The former prison on Ignacego Daszyńskiego Street in Legnica is certainly one of them. Its unique architecture, dramatic 20th-century history and increasingly poor condition mean that the building continues to feature in discussions about heritage conservation. Despite numerous ideas for its rescue and redevelopment, the building continues to fall into disrepair.
Expressionism etched in brick
The building was constructed between 1929 and 1930, when Legnica was still known as the German town of Liegnitz. The design was drawn up by the city’s building councillor, Paul Oehlmann, the architect behind many significant public buildings, including the New Town Hall. The construction of the building was preceded by the demolition of a 19th-century tenement house. From the outset, the new building served as a police station, complete with administrative offices and a detention centre. Today, it ranks among the most valuable examples of Expressionism in the whole of Lower Silesia. Its façade exemplifies the ‘architecture parlante’ movement, in which the form of the building reveals its function. Only a few similar buildings have survived throughout the region. Among them are the former Reich District Post Office in Wrocław, designed by Lothar Neumann, and the former Police Headquarters, designed by Rudolf Fernholz.
The former detention centre in Legnica: architecture full of symbols
The two-winged, L-shaped building marks the end of a cul-de-sac lined with terraced houses. It was built of brick, complemented by stone details. The seven-axis façade consists of vertical recesses with narrow windows, a wide stone cornice and an openwork balustrade. The centrepiece of the façade is a gateway framed by granite blocks. Just behind it lies a decorative entrance hall adorned with pointed-arch recesses, rhomboidal motifs and a pseudo-coffered ceiling. The southern wing housed cells for detainees, whilst the northern part was set aside for administrative purposes. On the courtyard side, a high brick wall surrounding the former prisoners’ exercise yard has been preserved. The design draws inspiration from the Gothic architectural tradition, which in the 1920s was regarded as the expression of German national architecture.
The history of the former Gestapo headquarters
After the Nazis came to power, the building was taken over by the Gestapo. The cells held political prisoners, members of the resistance, forced labourers and those accused of activities against the Third Reich. Interrogations were often accompanied by brutal violence. According to historical accounts, there was also an execution wall within the complex. After 1945, Legnica became part of Poland. The building itself escaped major damage during the war. In the years that followed, its walls housed a remand centre, later the headquarters of the Citizens’ Militia, a night shelter and a PKP staff hotel. Whilst the building’s functions changed like a kaleidoscope, its structure and façades retained their original appearance.
A valuable historic building with no future
The former detention centre is now privately owned. It has stood unused for many years, and the lack of proper protection or renovation has led to its disastrous condition. A leaking roof, damp walls, damaged windows and doors, a devastated interior, theft of fittings and acts of vandalism have left a clear mark on the entire building. As if that were not enough, a fire broke out in the building in 2012, which only added to the destruction. Despite its disastrous condition, the main structure, the brick façades and many original details have been preserved. At the request of the Institute of National Remembrance, the building was listed as a historic monument in 2008. The owner has tried several times to sell the property, but there have been no takers – mainly due to the enormous renovation costs and the conservation officer’s stringent requirements regarding future works.
Will the former detention centre in Legnica regain its former glory?
In recent years, proposals have emerged to convert the building into flats, a hotel or commercial premises. However, none of these have progressed beyond the preliminary planning stage. In 2026, the former prison remains abandoned. For architectural historians, it is one of Paul Oehlmann’s most outstanding works and, at the same time, one of the most valuable examples of Expressionism in this part of Poland. Unfortunately, every passing year without the building being protected means a further loss of its valuable fabric. There is still a chance to save it, but time is working against this exceptional Legnica landmark.
Source: zabytek.pl
See also:Architecture in Poland | Brick|Historic building|History | Modernism
