The trial concerning the demolition of the historic villa at 23 Kasprowicza Avenue in Wrocław has begun. Janusz J., the property owner’s representative, faces a prison sentence of between one and ten years. The defendant justifies the demolition on the grounds of public safety. The conservation officer, however, disputes these explanations and argues that the building did not require demolition.
The villa at 23 Kasprowicza Avenue – the trial has begun
On 17 September 2026, a trial began at the Wrocław court concerning the demolition of a villa in Karłowice, which was approximately 120 years old. The indictment against Janusz J. had previously been filed with the 12th Criminal Division of the District Court for Wrocław-Fabryczna, as announced by the Public Prosecutor’s Office on 21 January. Investigators allege that the owner’s representative caused the demolition of the listed building by means of a controlled collapse without the required authorisations. They also allege that he caused an incident posing a threat to property valued at at least PLN 1,541,958.62.
On 2 March, the historic building was reduced to a pile of rubble
The demolition began on the morning of 2 March 2024. The work was spotted by a passer-by, who immediately alerted the police. By the time the officers arrived at the scene, the villa had already been almost completely destroyed. The excavator operator and his assistant explained that they were carrying out the owner’s instructions. The city and the conservation authorities later confirmed that no permits had been granted for the demolition. Photos of the rubble quickly went viral online, sparking outrage amongst many people. Unfortunately, the authorities’ intervention came too late to save the historic building from destruction.
The villa at 23 Kasprowicza Street: 120 years of history
The villa was built at the beginning of the 20th century and formed part of the historic built environment of Karłowice. It featured a stone ground floor, plastered façades, brick detailing and sections of half-timbered construction. The variety of materials and the decorative finish of the façades set it apart from contemporary houses. It was part of a former villa district which miraculously survived the catastrophe of the war – unlike, for example, Szczepin or Ostrów Tumski. The demolition of the building resulted in the irreversible loss of authentic architecture dating back over a century, which even the most meticulous reconstruction cannot replace.
The defendant explains his decision by citing a threat
During the hearing in September, Janusz J. did not plead guilty. He refused to make a voluntary statement, declaring that he would answer only questions put by the court and his lawyer. He maintained the argument that, in his view, the villa’s inclusion in the local council’s register of historic buildings conferred a different level of protection than an entry in the national register. He also spoke of damaged ceilings and internal walls, and of fears of a sudden collapse. According to his account, the building had been vandalised by unauthorised persons, and following further such incidents, he had secured the entrances once again.
Letters were sent prior to the demolition
The defendant argued that as early as October 2023, letters concerning the demolition had been sent to the authorities, highlighting the threat to human life and health. In response, it was recommended that the property be secured, following which a fence and a warning sign were erected. Janusz J. also claimed that no representatives of the building control authority or the conservator had visited the site prior to the demolition. Daniel Gibski denied this version of events. According to the Lower Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, inspectors had previously visited the property and did not assess the condition of the villa as justifying its demolition.
The Conservator rejects the explanations regarding Kasprowicza 23
Daniel Gibski also testified that, in October 2023, the owner received a negative response to his application for demolition. The document was said to specify the applicable forms of heritage protection. According to the conservation officer, Janusz J., being an architect, should have been aware of the relevant regulations. Gibski also pointed out that the villa had previously been put up for sale as a residential property, which, in his view, undermined the argument that it was in a disastrous condition. After the hearing, he emphasised in an interview with *Gazeta Wrocławska* that the available documentation did not justify the demolition, and that the building control authority had only been notified of it after the fact.
When are the next hearings?
The villa was listed in the local authority’s register of historic monuments, and its protection was further stipulated by the local town planning scheme. During the hearing, the conservation officer also drew attention to the high value of the undeveloped plot, situated in a sought-after residential area. The court will determine Janusz J.’s liability. The defendant faces a prison sentence of between one and ten years, though no verdict has yet been handed down. According to *Gazeta Wrocławska*, further hearings have been scheduled for November and December 2026.
Source: Wrocław City Council, Lower Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, gazetawroclawska.pl
Photos: Karłowice Różanka housing estate, Wrocław
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