Konstancin - Jeziorna

The Konstancin-Jeziorna area in Mazowsze Region is very well-known as a health resort. A few kilometers south of this enclave is the main residence of several known artists, business people and politicians. There is a huge health resort, a picturesque lake, vast fields and within the Kabackich and Chojnowskich forests, there are over 50 objects which are on the local protective/ reservation antiquities register, including houses and churches. It was at the turn of the 19th century that two earls (Witold Skórzewski and Władysław Mielżyński) decided to build a centre for the local rich businessmen, tradesmen and financiers (they represented the best of the 'Warsaw elite'). At that time, they began to break the forest ground of Konstancja (later the name was changed to Konstancin), and almost immediately, very elegant houses were built on the spot as the wealthiest people flocked to the town and its health spas, bringing with them a real climate of art and culture.
In 1971, Konstancin was given the official status of a health resort, and after the devastation of WWII, during the 1950's and 60's, it worked to regain this status as it rebuilt itself from the ground up; its status was returned in 1972.  In 1978, the Tężnia Solankowa – a natural salt chamber, which helps with respiratory ailments – was opened. The local climate is also acknowledged to prevent cardiological, neurological, laryngological and rheumatological illnesses, and to aid in the natural process of biological regeneration and renewal.
Konstancin is also the location of numerous antiques, most notably there are some truly lovely homes from the beginning of the 20th century, which is when some of the most talented and renowned Polish architects began to design in earnest. Some especially noteworthy examples of this talent are seen at the Stefan Żeromski home, the Machlejd-Henisz family home ('Julia' Villa), the Konopczyński family home ('Mine') and the 'Ukrainian Villa', where writer Wacław Gąsiorowski lived for many years. As part of a day trip, it is also worth visiting the Church of the Most Favoured Virgin Mary (kościół Oblubieńca Najświętszej Maryi Panny), which was built in the 20th century.  A huge attraction is the Museum of Papermaking (Muzeum Papiernictwa), where it is possible to observe all stages of paper production, including the drying process.

More information:
www.konstancin.com
www.konstancinjeziorna.pl