Villa Decius

ul. 28 Lipca 1943 17A (Zwierzyniec) , No District (+48) 12 425 36 38 03 Dec 2024

Villa Decius

One of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Kraków, this suburban villa was built in the 1530s as the residence of Justus Ludwik Decjusz, the secretary to King Zygmunt I Stary (Sigismund I the Old). Much of Decjusz's large estate, including ancient trees planted in the 16th century, makes up the surrounding Park Decjusza in Kraków's Wola Justowska district today. The villa is characterised by its unique exterior staircase and loggia on three stories of the facade, one of which features oriental ceramic tiles. Over the centuries the residence was preserved, passing from the Decjusz family to many of Poland's most renowned lineages, including the Lubomirskis, the Sanguszkos, the count and countess Kuczkowski and the prince and princess Czartoryski. It was under the latter in the 19th century, particularly at the invitation of Duchess Marcelina Czartoryski, that the suburban manor became an artistic salon and meeting place for writers, artists, musicians and other humanists to discuss art, culture, politics and the problems facing Poland.

While the park has long been a popular place for families, the Villa's rich interiors are also now open to the public, and have been furnished to refer to the aura and atmosphere of this special place in the 19th century. Inside you'll see artefacts from the collection of the National Museum in Kraków, and paintings from the Regional Museum in Nowy Sącz, including portraits by Rembrandt and Jan Matejko. The rooms can be visited individually or with a guide, but check their opening hours before visiting.

In addition to its function as a museum, Villa Decius is also a cultural centre of the City of Kraków, hosting many artistic and educational events, and serves as a residence for visiting international artists. An upscale restaurant (open in spring-summer only) occupies the cellars, and the building can also be rented for conferences and other commercial or private events.