The former Sanato sanatorium is an extremely valuable architectural monument of Zakopane. Before the war it was considered one of the most magnificent places in the mountain resort. Today, the building is in complete ruin and is considered by many to be one of the scariest places in Zakopane. Soon it may regain its former glory and become a pearl among Zakopane hotels. CORE intends to restore the historic building to its former glory, but also to revitalise the entire Antałówka hill by creating a huge park open to the public.
The former Sanato sanatorium was built around 1915 on the slope of Antałówka – a hill close to the centre of Zakopane which offers a unique view of the Tatra Mountains. For decades, Sanato was regarded as one of the most representative, vibrant buildings in Zakopane.
The sanatorium was described by the local press as “the most beautiful and healthiest place in Zakopane”. It attracted not only patients but also representatives of the cultural and business world. Thanks to Kornel Makuszyński’s letters, even those who never left Warsaw heard about Sanato. Erected on a slope amidst coniferous forests, the building was visible from afar and was a symbol of the elegance of the time and the dream of health and relaxation among the Tatra landscapes.
The second life of Sanato
Abandoned in recent decades and neglected, the building (described by travellers Bożena and Marcin Niedźwiedzik some time ago as “the scariest place they have visited”) finally has a chance for a second life. In a few years, it will be transformed into a modern, 5-star hotel.
However, these are not the only plans of the investor. As part of the renovation work, he also plans to open a 7,000 square metre park – accessible not only to the hotel’s guests, but also to the inhabitants of Zakopane and the surrounding area, as well as tourists.
This is how the building looks today:
The total value of the project is about 450 million zlotys. The CORE company, planning a comprehensive renovation of the existing building, also wants to preserve the façade with its unique architectural details – in accordance with the guidelines of the conservation officer and respect for local architectural traditions. New buildings inspired by the Zakopane style are also to be constructed on the site, which together with the former sanatorium building will form a high-class five-star hotel.
“It will attract like the biggest European resorts”
As the CORE representative points out, the aim of the renovation is to restore the monument and create the most luxurious hotel in Podhale, which will combine history with modern comfort.
– Just as Zakopane was once built with ambition and flair, today we want to create a place here that will attract like the biggest European resorts. Sanato is to become a showpiece of Zakopane again – says Dawid Tatarek, Managing Director of CORE.
The concept of change:
While the development retains the spirit of tradition and the legacy of the site, the new hotel will also feature modern and luxurious features – including a special wellness area with saunas and pools. Thanks to the use of innovative energy sources – geothermal, recuperation or hybrid ventilation – the facility will also be environmentally friendly. The investors plan that the entire development will fit harmoniously into the Tatra landscape and the natural shape of the Antałówka slope.
Heritage enchanted in architecture
The Bernatowicz Architektura studio, led by Aleksander Bernatowicz, is responsible for the concept and the project’s consistency with the local architecture. This architect has already completed projects that make unique reference to the architectural heritage of Zakopane (which we have we have described severalseveral times in whiteMAD). As the Zakopane architect now points out, the inspiration for the new project was not only the architecture of the historic Sanato.
– It is also inspired by other unique buildings in Zakopane, such as the Panorama Hotel or the meteorological observatory. We want the new development to blend harmoniously into the natural slope of Antałówka,” says Aleksander Bernatowicz, the architect responsible for the project.
With the local community in mind
The project also includes the creation of a publicly accessible park with an area of 7,000 square metres. It will include walking paths, viewpoints or even a brine graduation tower. And there will also be rest areas to make the park vibrant all year round. CORE declares that the park can eventually be made available free of charge for the full use of the city.
There is therefore a very clear social dimension to the project. Especially since the hill is today more widely inaccessible to visitors. Thus, there is an opportunity to create a unique, green communal space – for walkers, families with children and people looking for a unique place to relax with a panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains.
source: press materials, editorial staff
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