It is one of the few facilities of its kind in Poland. The meteorological station in Duszniki-Zdrój is a valuable technical monument and an example of early 20th century design. It has recently been entered in the register of monuments.
The structure is located in the Spa Park in Duszniki-Zdrój. The park is a vast area of 5.4 hectares located south-east of the town centre. Its history dates back to the end of the 18th century, when the local waters were listed as medicinal waters. The construction of the park and the Palm House was completed in 1885: Pijalnia Wód Mineralnych, the Spa Theatre, the Agata Spring, the Colourful Fountain, the Frederic Chopin Monument and a historic meteorological station.
The meteorological station was entered in the register of monuments on 30 April 2024. The decision was made by the Lower Silesian Regional Conservator of Monuments. The structure is more than a century old and was made around 1900 by Heinrich Kappeller of Vienna. Kappeller specialised in conducting and analysing meteorological research and constructed physical measuring instruments.
“The weathervane is made of cast and forged iron. It bears no resemblance to modern constructions of this type. It has characteristic ornamentation in the style of Dutch Mannerism. Ignatz Gridl was responsible for the ornamentation.
Our meteorological station is one of the few preserved in Poland. This movable monument of technology is a testimony of a bygone era, the preservation of which is in the public interest, and due to its artistic, historical and scientific values it is subject to protection and care,” reads a communiqué issued by the Municipal Office in Duszniki-Zdrój.
Unfortunately, today the technical condition of the structure leaves much to be desired. The wooden base on which the thermometer and barometer are placed is rotten, and the protective glass is simply dirty. We hope that the entry in the register of historical monuments will finally make the renovation of the “weathervane” happen.
source: UM Duszniki-Zdrój
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