Sosnowiec is home to one of Poland’s most stunning architectural gems – the Dietl Palace. Built at the end of the 19th century as the residence of the family of the industrialist Heinrich Dietl, it is today a symbol of splendour, craftsmanship and wealth. However, it is not only the history or the impressive chambers that attract attention – a particular treasure of the palace is its legendary bathroom, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
The palace was built at the turn of the 20th century as part of a larger patronage complex. It also included a park, an orangery, a workers’ housing estate and even a factory. The palace was designed by Stanisław Waligórski, and the first plans for expansion appeared as early as 1890. The building was not only a family home, but also an expression of the prestige and ambition of Heinrich Dietl, a Saxon industrialist who came to Sosnowiec at the invitation of the Russian Tsar.
Dietl’s palace. Photo by Krzysztof Popławski, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dietel was a pioneer in the textile industry. His modern worsted wool spinning mill was the first of its kind in the entire Russian Empire, and its products supplied, among others, the Tsar’s army. He invested the fortune gained from the factory in the construction of public buildings, temples of various faiths and, above all, in the construction of the family palace. After the war, the palace was occupied by the Soviet NKVD, which resulted in the destruction of many of the furnishings. In later years, the building served various functions, including as the headquarters of the Music School. Since 1997, it has been in private hands and, thanks to painstaking restoration work, has regained its former splendour.
The palace interiors are characterised by extraordinary splendour and a whole range of different styles, but one of the most exceptional rooms is the bathroom, or rather the 27 sq m bath room. Designed with great attention to detail, it impresses with decorations in light green, yellow, blue and celadon tones. The decorative motifs combine elements of Regency and Rococo styles, giving the interior an eclectic but harmonious feel.
The focal point of the bathroom is an impressive Roman-style impluvium bathtub – a bathing pool recessed into the floor with a capacity of as much as 800 litres. The tiles are decorated with motifs of marine flora and fauna, and a baroque mythological scene depicting Amphitrite, Poseidon’s wife, hangs above the bath. The pool is equipped with a system reminiscent of a modern Jacuzzi – jets, shower and elegant taps.
The ceramic tiles covering the walls are decorated with floral ornaments, and the lamellas are crowned with stucco decoration with vase and acanthus motifs. The ceiling, reminiscent of a mirrored vault, is enriched with stucco with floral and ribbon motifs. In addition, the bathroom features striking ceramic door casings, a large mirror opposite the bathtub and a screen with a fancy gable covering the toilet.
The windows, meanwhile, are decorated with stained-glass windows depicting putti holding vases of flowers. The unique beauty of the bathroom has led to it appearing many times in films, such as ‘Magnate’, ‘White Business Card’, ‘Between the Mouth and the Cup’s Edge’ and ‘The Wolf Woman’.
It is not only the palace interiors that are impressive. The building used to be surrounded by a neo-romantic park with grottoes, lakes and hills. Although some of these elements have disappeared, walkers can still find a unique tree – the Rumelian pine, known as the “Amber Lady.” This rare specimen was brought back from Greece by a gardener who, inspired by the trip, created the original greenery plan around the palace.
Thanks to the work of the current owners and the renovations carried out, the Dietl Palace impresses with its former splendour. It is not only a testament to the historical splendour of Sosnowiec, but also an inspiring example of how historic buildings can be saved and brought back to life. The bathroom in particular, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, is proof that applied art can reach the highest levels of aesthetics and functionality.
Source: malopolskatogo.pl, dziennikzachodni . pl, instytutkorfantego.pl
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