The characteristic historic building at Puławska 59 is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. “Gołębnik”, also known as the Gothic house, was built in the 18th century. The works are being carried out under the supervision of a conservator.
The Warsaw conservator of monuments explained that the entire facility will undergo renovation, starting with the foundations, which together with the plinth will be subjected to waterproofing. “The walls will be repaired, and the plasters on the building and gate will be reconstructed. The band around the building and the glyphs will be repaired. The external window sills will be supplemented. There will be new sheet metal flashings made of copper sheet. The shingles on the slopes and turrets, recreated based on historical patterns, will be replaced. The decorative spire will also undergo renovation,” the conservator added.
Comprehensive renovation of the 18th century tower
The interior of the tower will also be renovated. The works will include: waterproofing the basement floor, renovation of the basement walls, repair of plasters with interior painting, renovation of floors, stairs, balustrades, windows and doors. The attic will be thermally insulated.
After their completion, a watchmaker's shop will operate on the ground floor of the tower, as before. The renovation of the municipal facility is being carried out by ZGN Mokotów.
The tower with the gate was built at the end of the 18th century according to the design of Szymon Bogumił Zug for the owner of the Mokotów estate – Izabela Lubomirska née Czartoryska. The tower and the adjacent Moorish House are the only preserved pavilions from that period.
Pigeons lived here
The gate led to the Lubomirski estate, and pigeons lived in the tower. Today, it is the entrance to Morskie Oko Park, and the winged inhabitants are remembered by the marked holes through which birds used to fly inside. After the war damage, the tower was rebuilt, but without some details (including the roof over the pigeon holes). On the northern façade, there is a clock that plays the melody of the “Mokotów March” every day at 5 p.m.
The building underwent its last major renovation in the 1980s. At that time, the shape of the roof was adjusted, introducing small dormers, and the roofing material was replaced.
“Dovecote” – Gothic House was entered into the register of historical monuments in July 1965.
Main image source: Capital City Conservator of Monuments