Konopnik's Tenement House in Lublin

The Konopnica Tenement is one of the most distinctive and enchanting buildings in Lublin's Old Town, notable for its Mannerist reliefs, which are the only examples of their kind in this part of the Market Square. After a catastrophic fire in 1575, the tenement was rebuilt in the Mannerist style, and its monumental decoration was crafted from limestone, featuring plant motifs and fantastical dragon heads. Above the first-floor windows, portraits of the owners—Sebastian and Katarzyna Konopnica—were placed. The third floor and the attic were reconstructed between 1938 and 1939, drawing inspiration from earlier 19th-century ornamentation. The history of the tenement is quite complex, as it was owned by many families before the Konopnicas, including the city councilor Andrzej Sadurka and the merchant Jan Domarat. It eventually came into the possession of the Konopnica family through the marriage of Katarzyna Kretkówna and Sebastian Konopnica, who received the tenement as part of her dowry. For a long time, the building was gray, but during renovations in 2004, its original vibrant azure color was uncovered and restored, making it stand out among the other buildings on the Market Square. It is not only an example of exceptional architecture but also an important element of Lublin's culture, reflecting its historical transformation and commitment to preserving heritage.