The neo-Gothic hospital of the Order of the Knights of Malta in Mokrzeszów, known for its grand palace-like architecture, has been waiting for a new owner for years. In the past, the building served many functions, but is now falling into increasing disrepair. The Świdnica Poviat Starosty has made another attempt to sell the building and its adjoining land, even though previous proceedings failed to yield a positive result. Will there be a chance to save this magnificent monument this time?
The hospital in Mokrzeszów and its fate
The building was constructed between 1860 and 1880 in red and yellow bricks, surrounded by an extensive park. The funds for its construction were given to the Order of the Knights of Malta by the owner of the village, Baron von Jakoby-Klösta. Initially, a hospital and a nursing home for the elderly operated here. During the First World War it housed a hospital for pilots, and in the inter-war period a sanatorium, which had been in private hands since 1926. In 1938, a Mothers’ Home was opened in the building, run by the Association of German Girls, associated with the Lebensborn organisation. After the end of the Second World War, the Soviet Army was stationed here until 1947.
Post-war history of the hospital of the Order of the Knights of Malta in Mokrzeszów
After the Soviet troops left, the building found a new use. Over the following decades, agricultural and horticultural schools, the Provincial Agricultural Improvement Centre and the State Administration Personnel Centre operated here. The building also appeared in pop culture – scenes for the 1971 Polish TV series Gruby were filmed in its interiors. In the 1990s, the hospital passed into the hands of a German family, who planned to adapt it into a luxury hotel. Unfortunately, the idea was not realised and the monument gradually deteriorated. Recently, the building was returned to the resources of the State Treasury.
Safeguards and subsequent tenders
The progressive degradation of the valuable edifice led to the intervention of the conservation officer, who ordered the building to be secured. The obligation to carry out the work rested with the Świdnica Poviat Starosty, which has one year to seal the roof and secure the building against unauthorised access. The value of the works was set at PLN 314,000. In 2024, the district office announced a tender for the sale of the former hospital, but no bidder came forward. During the negotiations in January 2025, an interested party appeared, who, with an asking price of PLN 2.5 million, offered PLN 650,000. The offer was rejected as too low.
Mokrzeszów hospital – another attempted sale
The sale procedure has started from the beginning. A new tender has therefore been announced for the property of almost 2.5 hectares, which includes a historic building of around 2,200 square metres. The starting price is PLN 3,210,900, which is more than in the previous procedure. As the starost explains, this is due to a new appraisal report prepared every two years by an appraiser. The regulations in force do not allow the sale for a lower amount subject to renovation or specific development. Only the price offer counts. The tender is scheduled for 3 December and the deposit is set at PLN 322 000.
Difficult fate of the former hospital in Mokrzeszów
The neo-Gothic complex of the former hospital in Mokrzeszów is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable and at the same time most endangered monuments in the region. Unfortunately, successive attempts to sell and save the impressive building have failed to bring the expected result, but despite this, the district authorities are hoping that the building will find an investor who will breathe new life into it.
Source: swidnica24.pl, dziennikzachodni.pl
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