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A spa in the heart of the Pieniny
Szczawnica Commune is located in one of the most beautiful corners of Poland, in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains and on the edge of the Beskid Sądecki. Szczawnica, the town, is its seat – there the spa heart of the commune pounds. East of the former Shlakhtov Ruthenia which comprises two villages – Jaworki and Szlachtowa – stretches. The villages are located in the valley of the Grajcarek, on the border between the Pieniny and the Radziejowa Range of the Beskid Sądecki. On one hand, we have a town with a rich history, beautiful historic sites and springs of mineral water. On the other hand, there are peaceful villages located in beautiful mountains full of sheep, shepherds and Ruthenian traditions.
Szczawnica was granted the status of a spa in 1924; however, its spa history is longer which is visible in the name of the place. The name ‘Szczawnica’ was taken from the word ‘szczawa’ which denotes acidulous water. The name must have been used by local highlanders much earlier. The development of Szczawnica as a spa started during the time of Józef Stefan Szalay. It was him who initiated the construction of the first spa buildings and guest houses. Szalay organised the first rafting on the Dunajec and initiated the creation of Droga Pienińska (the Pieniny Tract). In the second half of the 19th century Szczawnica was a popular resort thanks to Józef Dietl’s support. Matejko, Prus, Konopnicka or Sienkiewicz honoured the place with their presence. Another important owner of Szczawnica was the Stadniccy Family. After the Second World War, the spa was nationalised. At the time a lot of trade sanatoria were erected, especially the ones which aimed at the treatment of occupational diseases of miners and foundry workers. The heirs of the Stadniccy Family took over the spa in 2005.
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Nowadays, Szczawnica is still a well-known and frequently chosen resort. Visitors benefit from mineral waters and the climate of the Pieniny. Moreover, people come to the place to take advantage of various attractions.
