Villa Decius – a renaissance gem of Cracovian architecture

Villa Decius, one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces in Poland, is located in the Krakow district of Wola Justowska, at ul. 28 Lipca 1943 17a, in the picturesque Decius Park. This monument, despite numerous transformations and alterations over the centuries, has retained its unique character and historical value.

The origins of Villa Decius date back to the years 1530-1540, when the Hungarian Just Ludwig Decius, an influential financier and diplomat, commissioned the construction of a manor house in Wola Justowska. The building, covered by a high roof, had irregularly spaced windows and a small viewing loggia. In the past, there was speculation that well-known Renaissance architects such as Giovanni Cini of Siena and Bernardinus de Gianottis were responsible for the design, but recent research has ruled out their involvement. In 1590, the villa was purchased by Sebastian Lubomirski, and his son, Stanislaw Lubomirski, Voivode of Krakow, expanded it after 1620. The project, attributed to Maciej Trapoli, included the addition of one storey, two Baroque towers, a viewing loggia and onion-shaped helmets on the towers. An outbuilding, known today as the Grace House, was also built during this period.

The villa in the 19th century. Photo: “Rocznik Krakowski”, 1904, p. 17. mbc.malopolska.pl

From the early 18th century the villa passed through the hands of various owners, including the Sanguszkos, Andrzej Morzkowski and the Wielowiejski family. Significant changes took place in the 19th century, when the Ledóchowskis, then owners, removed the Baroque onion-shaped helmets and Mannerist bastions. After 1844, Henrietta Kuczkowska of the Ankwicz family carried out another reconstruction, adding a representative entrance staircase, balconies and an attic crowning the building. The villa took on a more classicist character. In 1876 the residence became the property of Princess Marcelina Czartoryska, who was a pupil of Fryderyk Chopin and organised numerous concerts in the villa. In 1882, after a fire, the villa was restored by the architect Tadeusz Stryjeński.

During the First World War the building served as military barracks, and during the Second World War it housed the headquarters of the German police. After the war, Villa Decius was used, among other things, as the Central Training Centre for Workers’ Cooperatives, a boarding school, and the tuberculosis ward of the Dr Anka Hospital. In the 1970s, the palace fell into disrepair and its future was in doubt. It was not until 1996, after extensive renovation, that the building regained its former glory. Today, Villa Decius is the headquarters of the Villa Decius Association and serves as a cultural and conference centre, organising numerous artistic and scientific events. It also houses a wedding hall.

Villa Decius, which is part of the Renaissance Route in Malopolska, is one of the most important monuments of Krakow. Thanks to the efforts of many people and institutions, it was possible to save this unique building, which today combines historical elements with modern cultural functions, promoting the heritage of the Renaissance and Polish culture.

Source: willadecjusza.pl, villa.org.pl

Read also: Architecture | Renovation | City | Krakow | Architecture in Poland | Villas and residences