Origins and spread of the style

19th-century Europe was fascinated by nature-based and hydrotherapy treatments. Spa towns began to emerge like mushrooms after the rain. The first ones were located on the slopes and at the foot of the Swiss, German, and Austrian Alps. For this reason, the buildings that made up the spa resorts of that time were modeled after Swiss mountain houses. Over time, the fashion for this style of recreational architecture also reached Galicia and then spread throughout Polish lands.

Characteristics

Buildings in the Swiss style are characterized by their small height, large gable roof, and wide eaves. To add elements that enhance recreation, balconies and terraces were added, serving as sunbathing areas. The buildings were decorated with ornaments featuring geometric or plant-based motifs carved into the wood. To complete the composition, care was taken to ensure that the building was surrounded by park or forest greenery. When visiting Dietla Square, you can see the above-mentioned features in the surrounding buildings.

History

The fountain was built in the interwar period as a crowning feature of Dietla Square. A reinforced concrete sculpture of a woman with a jug, created by Stanisław Marcinów in 1957, was added to the original fountain. It is said that a waitress who worked in Szczawnica and had returned to Poland from France served as the model for the sculpture. Further changes were made in 2012, when the entire structure was renovated and a new bronze sculpture by Marcin Batkiewicz was installed.

10 years is too long

At the turn of 2022/2023, after ten years since the last renovation, the stone sides and bottom of the fountain began to crumble and flake off. Unfortunately, this gives the beautiful, representative part of the city the appearance of neglect and abandonment. Fortunately, funds have already been allocated for its reconstruction, which will not be completed until

One building, many possibilities

Initially, the building, now known as the “Palace” villa, was the palace of Józef Szalay, who is known for promoting and developing Szczawnica as a spa town. After the fire at the Guest House in Szczawnica, the surviving collections of the Pieniny Museum were moved to the villa. It operated there until 2012, when the decision was made to move the exhibits to Szlachtowa. Currently, the “Palace” houses the museum of the spa town of Szczawnica.

Museum exhibitions

When visiting the relocated Pieniny Museum in Szlachtowa, visitors can discover the history of the Pieniny highlanders. This is possible thanks to the exhibits on display. The museum’s collections include family coats of arms, biographical collections, memorabilia related to Szczawnica, as well as examples of folk art and traditional highland costumes.

History

The mineral water spa is located in the eastern part of Dietla Square, in the stylish “House by the Springs,” which was built by Józef Szalay in

The History of the Building

Café Helenka is located in a former promenade gallery, built in 1856-1857 between the “Szwajcarka Górna” villa and the Szalay pavilion (later known as “Dom nad Zdrojami”). Around 1960, the gallery was enclosed, and the “Haneczka” café was opened there. In 1984, when the mineral water dispensary adjacent to the café was closed, mineral water began to be served in “Haneczka.” Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the building in

Location, history, and treatment

Zdrój Magdalena is located approximately 100 meters below Dietl Square, on the left bank of the acidic stream, which is now completely covered. Near the Magdalena spring, located on Zdrojowa Street in Szczawnica, a stylish, elongated wooden gazebo with openwork elements was built. The spring was discovered by a spa guest, Jan Cielecki, in 1839 and was named in honor of Mrs. Magdalena Kownacka, who was then the owner of the Ponikwa estate. The “Magdalena” water is recommended for digestive disorders, bile duct diseases, and constipation.

Necessity is the mother of invention

The chapel was founded and designed by Józef Szalay, who is well-known to all the residents of Szczawnica as its founder. The purpose of this undertaking was to shorten the distance to the church for the patients staying at the spa. The chapel was officially consecrated by Father Maciej Szafrański in

Entertainment for the whole family

While walking through the streets of Szczawnica, you can sometimes see a vehicle shaped like a little train. It attracts tourists, slowly moving through the area. A ride on the little train allows you to enjoy the surroundings with minimal effort, making it an ideal attraction for families, especially those with young children. The very form of the journey will bring a smile to the faces of the little ones.

Little train routes from Dietla Square

09:15 – Jaworki – Biała Woda – 10:00

10:45 – Jaworki – Biała Woda – 11:30

12:15 – Sewerynówka – Wodospad – 12:50

13:25 – Jaworki – Biała Woda – 14:10

14:55 – Jaworki – Biała Woda – 15:40

16:25 – Sewerynówka – Wodospad – 17:00

17:35 – Jaworki – Biała Woda – 18:20

19:05 – Sewerynówka – Wodospad – 19:40