Kamienica Morando
ul. Stanisława Staszica 25
22-400 Zamość

Kamienica Morando

The House of the Architect of Zamość

Kamienica Morando from the Great Market Square: the pink facade over an arcade on pillars, with a band of rosette ornament below the first-floor windows

1578

Jan Wolff's portal under the Kamienica Morando arcade: stone columns, an arch and a triangular pediment around the open dark door, squashes and chrysanthemums in pots by the entrance

Bernardo Morando was an Italian Renaissance architect to whom Zamość owes its appearance. In 1578, Jan Zamoyski commissioned him to build a residence, and then to draw up the design for the entire town. Thus began the realisation of one of the extraordinary visions of that era — an ideal city, in which beauty, order and everyday life were to form a harmonious whole.

Morando laid out the streets and squares, designed the most important buildings and oversaw their construction. He left behind a work that can be discovered step by step: strolling across the Market Square, pausing beneath the arcades, taking in the proportions of the facades.

At the very heart of this story stands our KAMIENICA MORANDO, at its present-day address: 25 Staszica Street. Its connection with the architect is direct: he designed it on his own plot, giving it a special role in the town he was creating.

c. 1590

A House Meant to Set the Standard

The Kamienica Morando arcade: two windows in stone frames between white pillars, “Morando” on the glass, warm lamplight inside

Around 1590, Morando drew up the design for a model market-square house. Its form was to embody the principles that defined the architecture of Zamość: harmony of proportion, a well-considered layout and the unity of the house with the space around it.

This is precisely what sets this townhouse apart. It is material evidence of the town founder's vision and, at the same time, it is personally connected with him as the owner of the plot. Here his ideas can be seen on an intimate scale: in a single house, its entrance and the arcades opening onto the Market Square.

That is why its significance reaches far beyond the age of its walls or the beauty of its facade. The townhouse lets us return to the origins of Zamość architecture — to the moment when the character of the new town and the appearance of its residents' houses were being defined.

Standing in front of it, you can imagine Zamość still under construction. Plans spread out on a table, stone waiting to be worked, arches gradually emerging from the scaffolding. Today's monument was then a bold undertaking. Part of a future whose shape was yet to be created.

Traces of Craft and Bygone Imagination

Over the following centuries, the townhouse acquired details that enriched its Renaissance character. The entrance is adorned with a portal by Jan Wolff, which sets the building apart from the other townhouses of Zamość. Columns and an arch give it a ceremonial frame. In the stone you can make out rosettes, lions' heads and the head of a little angel — small discoveries for those who raise their eyes for a moment before stepping over the threshold.

In the main reception room on the first floor, a frieze with plant motifs and signs of the zodiac has survived. It is a detail that can hold your attention for a long time. In a house on the Market Square, an image of the distant sky was left, set among plant ornaments. The imagination of old is still present here, captured in the decoration of the interior.

Vaults, the shade of the arcades and a small inner courtyard give the building a rhythm of its own. The townhouse reveals itself gradually. Changing light brings out new forms, and knowing its history lets you notice more with every glance.

Its direct connection with Bernardo Morando, its role as a model market-square house and its valuable architectural details give it a special place in the heritage of Zamość. In its interiors, the great history of the town comes close — within a glance, a few steps, a seat at the table.

A painted frieze of plant ornament below the wooden ceiling of a room, a wrought-iron candle chandelier in front of it, a golden curtain at the window

Today

Today — Kamienica Morando

The covered courtyard of the house seen from the upstairs gallery: laid tables on the stone floor, a fireplace, a tall arched shelf unit with squashes and a wooden balustrade

The name KAMIENICA MORANDO is our tribute to the architect with whom the history of this house began. Being able to welcome guests here is a great honour for us. We want to look after this place with care and share what makes it unique.

It matters to us that you feel at ease. That you can sit down at the table, discover the flavours of our cuisine, choose a cocktail and give your time to conversation.

Our hospitality is made up of everyday details: a warm welcome, attentive service, a carefully prepared dish and care for your comfort. This is our contribution to the continuing life of the townhouse.

Its history began more than four centuries ago. Today we are glad to be able to welcome you here.

Welcome to Kamienica Morando