Krynica-Zdrój – fashionable spa of the late 19th century

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Discovery of the healing properties of mineral springs

The first mention of Krynica comes from 1547, when Danko from Miastko (today Tylicz) received the privilege of granting a village council in Krzenycze (now Krynica-Zdrój). The development of the town in later centuries is associated with the discovery of the healing properties of mineral springs.

Krynica-Zdrój – fashionable spa development

The first spa houses were built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, but the rapid development of Krynica as a spa and a health resort did not take place until 1856 thanks to the activities of Józef Dietl, a professor at the Jagiellonian University. Therapeutic mud baths have been used here since 1858. At that time, among others, Old Mineral Baths, Old Mud Baths, Spa House or wooden Main Pump Room with a promenade were built.

At the end of the 19th century Krynica was an elite and fashionable place, therefore it hosted many famous Poles. The construction of a railway connection in 1911 additionally contributed to the development of the spa.

Jaworzyna Krynicka

After the end of World War I, the spa was taken over by the Polish authorities. New Mineral Baths and New Spa House, shelter in Jaworzyna Krynicka, cable car to Góra Parkowa, winter stadium and toboggan run were built then. Krynica was developing not only as a health resort, but also as a winter sports center. European Luge Championships and Ice Hockey World Championships took place. The number of patients and holidaymakers grew from 10,000 a year in 1919 to 40,000 in 1938.

Destruction of World War II

World War II interrupted the city’s development. In 1945 the retreating Germans took virtually all equipment and the Russian Red Army completely devastated what was left.

The expansion of the resort began again after the war in the 1950s, and in 1997 a gondola lift to Jaworzyna (1114 m above sea level) was launched.

Today Krynica seems to be filled with crowds every day and at any time of the year. It greeted me with beautiful colors of the golden Polish autumn 🙂.

 

Photographs of Krynica-Zdrój

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Carly BB