The Żegiestów Spa enjoyed particular popularity during the time of the Polish People's Republic (PRL). It was visited by many tourists every year, but over time, the buildings deteriorated and gradually fell into ruin. This was the case with the Anna Mineral Water Drinking Hall. The closure for many years significantly hindered the process of rebuilding and modernization, but despite this, the famous Drinking Hall is now operating at full capacity. It makes for a great weekend trip idea in the beautiful region of Małopolska.
Żegiestów: A Picturesque Spa Town That Lay Abandoned for Years
The Żegiestów Spa is located in the town of Żegiestów-Zdrój, 20 km from Krynica and 40 km from Nowy Sącz. Its history dates back to pre-World War II times when it was considered the most luxurious resort in Poland. Tourists from both within the country and abroad were drawn to it by the renowned treatments and idyllic atmosphere. The spa was rich in numerous mineral water sources, the largest of which was the Anna source.
According to Barbara Rucka’s book Two Centuries of the Żegiestów Spa, the Anna source was named by Ignacy Medwecki, who discovered the medicinal water source in 1846. He had a gazebo built over it, which served as a makeshift drinking hall. He named it after his wife, Anna Sobańska. The Anna Drinking Hall developed over the years, but the outbreak of World War II led to its temporary closure. With the advent of the PRL, the Drinking Hall was reopened, but in 2002, it was decided to cease the operations of the Spa House and the Drinking Hall. Thus, "Anna" began to fall into ruin, with its only visitors being urban exploration enthusiasts.
Anna Spa Drinking Hall Reopened to Tourists
The situation changed only in 2018 when the company Cechini Żegiestów-Zdrój Główny obtained over 768,000 PLN in EU funding for the renovation of the Anna Mineral Water Drinking Hall. The building underwent extensive revitalization work, giving "Anna" a new look. The official reopening took place in June of last year.
Today, tourists can admire the beautiful marble and wooden interiors of the Drinking Hall, located in a ravine, and enjoy the medicinal mineral water. Analyses of the local source confirm that it is a strong ferruginous water with a mineralization of 2571 mg/dcm³. Visitors will also be captivated by the surrounding natural beauty, as the Poprad Valley is known for its picturesque trails and stunning mountain landscapes.
