The Janusz Korczak Independent Public Rehabilitation Sanatorium in Krasnobród is about to undergo comprehensive modernisation, which will include both the historic buildings and the surrounding park. Thanks to the support of EU funds, over PLN 22 million has been earmarked for the project, which will breathe new life into this unique place on the map of the Lublin region. The investment is due to start in spring 2025.
The history of the palace and park complex in Krasnobród dates back to the 16th century, when the Firlej family erected a small defensive castle here. Its strategic location near important trade routes meant that the building quickly gained in importance. In the 17th century, the new owners, the Leszczyńskis, transformed the fortress into a comfortable palace residence, introducing elements of Baroque splendour.
The following centuries brought changes of heirs and numerous reconstructions that gradually changed the character of the building. Successive owners included the Lipsky, Tarnowsky and Zamoyski families. Finally, in the 19th century, the palace and its surroundings lost their original residential function and were adapted for health care purposes. It was then that Poland’s first tuberculosis sanatorium was established here to treat the disease, which was one of the biggest scourges of the time.
In 1914, as a result of the First World War, the former Leszczynski Palace was destroyed. It was rebuilt three years later to a design by Jan Koszczyc Witkiewicz, in the form of two buildings connected by a gallery. The residence was then given a classicist character. The main two-storey building, covered with a broken Polish roof, was connected to the former outbuilding by a column gallery. The English-style park surrounding the building, with its extensive avenues and charming corners, added to the unique charm of the whole. After the Second World War, the burnt-out buildings were once again raised from their ruins and extended in function as a sanatorium, which initially served children and later became a place of rehabilitation for patients of all ages.
Between 1967 and 1971, a pavilion building was erected in the vicinity of the palace, modernised between 2000 and 2004, and now houses bedrooms, common rooms and treatment rooms for children. The historic nature of the establishment was recognised as being of great value, which was confirmed when it was entered on the list of monuments in 1982. Today, the Krasnobród sanatorium is one of the key healthcare centres in the Lublin region, treating, among others, diseases of the musculoskeletal, respiratory and nervous systems.
The palace in the 1960s and today. Author: B. Malmurowicz/, source: Mariusz Brzeziński/photopolska.eu and A2rek, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A recently concluded funding agreement for a modernisation project will bring huge changes to the palace and park complex in Krasnobród. Thanks to the financial support, much of which comes from European Funds, the sanatorium will undergo a comprehensive renovation. The works will include the reconstruction of the palace in its former form, the renovation of the former outbuilding and the connector, as well as the revitalisation of the surrounding park, where paths will be restored, a brine graduation tower will appear and the historic lawn will be reconstructed. The main building of the sanatorium (the former annexe) will get a lift to facilitate access for people with disabilities. All works are being supervised by the provincial conservationist.
However, the modernisation will not be limited to infrastructure only. The sanatorium will be equipped with modern facilities and equipment, allowing both better care for patients and the organisation of various events.
“Not only will patients benefiting from the spa be supported, but also the local community and the entire region, as the historic building will finally be renovated and will also be able to perform new cultural, training and conference functions,” – said Lublin Voivodeship Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski.
The modernisation of the sanatorium in Krasnobród is a great opportunity to improve the quality of rehabilitation services and also to increase the tourist attractiveness of the region. Over 2,000 patients will use the renovated facilities annually. The investment is part of the “Green Heart of Roztocze” Supralocal Development Strategy for 2024-2030, which aims to counter depopulation and support the development of areas of high natural value. Completion of the works is planned for the end of 2027.
Source: roztocze.net, zabytek.pl
Read also: Architecture | Renovation | Palace | Architecture in Poland | Villas and residences
