Patria Villa

The modernist Villa Patria is a luxury hotel built on behalf of Jan Kiepura. The artist lived here during his stays in Poland. The name Patria, meaning Homeland, reflects Kiepura's longing and attachment to her native country. Modeled on modern Austrian and Swiss hotels, the building was designed by the acclaimed architect Bohdan Pniewski.

Patrycja was equipped with a telephone exchange, heating, elevators and revolving front door. There was a viewing terrace on the roof. There was a swimming pool, restaurant, ballroom, and next to tennis courts. The interior finished with marble and alabaster often hosted picky representatives of the then elite.

Patrycja was opened in 1933. Its managers were the parents of Jan Kiepura. During World War II, the building was used by Germans. In 1949 the building was taken over by the state, granting Kiepura compensation. Since then, Patria belongs to Uzdrowisko Krynica-Żegiestów SA and acts as a sanatorium.

Jan Kiepura is particularly fond of Krynica, and the city still remembers its outstanding resident: in addition to the villa, you can see the artist's monument and listen to concerts as part of the annual Festival. Jan Kiepura.