Lion Manor in Gdańsk Lipce: the oldest arcaded house in Poland
- Damian Brzeski
- 7 hours ago
- 11 min read
The Lion Manor in Gdańsk Lipce is not only an architectural gem, but a true witness to history – according to many researchers, it is the oldest arcaded house in Poland that has survived wars and turbulent border changes.
I invite you on a journey to a place where the mercantile power of old Gdańsk meets the mastery of rural carpenters, and the echoes of the visits of Polish kings still resonate in the oak beams.
Lion Manor in Gdańsk – the oldest arcaded house in Poland
When we talk about the heritage of Żuławy, the Lion Manor in Orunia comes to the fore as an iconic object.
This is not an ordinary building, but a "celebrity" among monuments of wooden architecture, which for centuries served as a gateway to the great world of Gdańsk trade.
Before we delve into the details of its history, it is worth understanding why this particular arcaded house in Żuławy arouses such great emotions among both historians and casual tourists.
The location and historical significance of the building
It often happens that when walking around Gdańsk, our attention is stolen by the monumental Main Town, and we neglect the peripheral districts.
This is a mistake. Just think of the districts that were once the economic heart of the Hanseatic metropolis.
One of such fascinating places is Lipce (historically known as Guteherberge , or Good Inn ), located along the St. Adalbert's Route .
This former communication artery connected Gdańsk with the south of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, bustling with commercial and diplomatic life.
It is there, at number 297, that the Lion Manor finds its place on the map. It is an absolutely fundamental structure – it is listed in professional literature and conservation registers as the oldest arcaded house in Poland . It is a unique relic of early modern architecture.
“This arcaded house, located on a historic route, is not a lonely island – it is a keystone of a broader cultural context, a witness to centuries of trade and proof of the prosperity of Gdańsk’s rural hinterland.”
It's worth noting that Lipce appears in documents as an inn and knightly village as early as the 14th century. Its location, in a place called Guteherberge, indicates its original function as a traveler's service.
When exactly was this house built? Dating based on dendrochronological studies indicates 1572 as the date the building materials were acquired.
In turn, the Lion Court may have been finally completed in 1600 , a date often assumed by traditional historiography. Regardless of the date, we are dealing with a structure over four centuries old!
As the oldest arcaded house in the Żuławy group, it is an unrivaled model for later implementations.
Architecture and half-timbered construction
A closer look at Lion's Court reveals the genius of the carpenters working in Pomerania at the end of the Renaissance. This wooden arcaded house was built using the half-timbered (frame) technique .
Imagine this was the dominant building standard in Northern Europe at the time. This construction relied on a precise system of joining wood without the use of metal nails (replaced by oak dowels).
The frame structure was originally filled with wattle and daub . How did this work? The spaces between the beams were filled with wickerwork made from willow twigs or reeds, which was then covered with a mixture of clay and chaff.
Advantage of half-timbered houses: Excellent thermal insulation and humidity regulation.
Unfortunately: During renovation in the 1960s, the building structure was filled with ceramic bricks.
This change, while giving the building a half-timbered appearance, affected its statics. Despite this, the house's construction remains awe-inspiring to engineers.
The shape, measuring 12 by 20 meters and with a volume of 1,660 m³ , placed this building in a row of residences, not ordinary rural cottages.
The nine-pillar arcade as a symbol of wealth
What makes the Lion Manor so unique? It's the best- preserved arcaded house of its type. Its monumental gable arcade is supported by nine massive pillars .
Why does the number of poles matter? In Żuławy, architecture was a social code.
"The number of pillars told neighbors and travelers who they were dealing with. It was generally accepted that the number of pillars directly reflected the number of acres of land or social rank."
Look at the hierarchy expressed by the number of columns:
4-5 columns: Wealthy farmer (Rude).
6 posts: Village Head.
9 pillars: Urban patriciate, Landowner – Lion Court.
The nine columns signaled that the investor was the powerful Ferber family . The arcade allowed for the entry of a cart carrying "dry" goods, which was invaluable in the rainy climate of the Vistula Delta.
Function of an inn and a residential and farm house
The Lion Manor is an example of multi-functional architecture. Over time, the building became known as the Lion Manor Inn , evolving into an inn. The heart of the ground floor was a large hall.
Over the centuries , the Lion Manor was managed by various tenants, and the boundary between the inn's private and public spheres was fluid.
The upper floors were the kingdom of grain. Interestingly, the building had the privilege of brewing beer and serving alcohol.
A detail that demonstrates functional genius is the external gallery in the attic, which improves warehouse logistics.
Entry into the register of monuments and conservation protection
The official recognition of the value of this place came when the building was entered into the register of historical monuments on December 18, 1959 .
This was a fundamental act, protecting it from demolition. Although the renovations during the communist era (where the structure, originally filled with clay, was replaced with brick) were controversial, they saved the building from complete ruin.
Design features and construction techniques of arcaded houses
The engineering behind the arcade house's construction is a complex subject. For such a massive wooden structure to withstand the winds that whip across the flat Żuławy region , the carpenters had to reach the heights of their skills, employing solutions that continue to fascinate architects to this day.
Half-timbered construction and bracing technique
The secret to its longevity lies in its wooden structure, reinforced with bracing. What are braces? They are diagonal beams (struts) that connect the posts to the horizontal beams.
In the Lion Court they play a dual role:
Static: They act as “stiffness injections”, preventing the frame from deforming.
Aesthetic: Profiled swords create decorative arcs.
The mortise and tenon joints allowed the wood to move, which is crucial in a changing climate.
Dutch roof tiles and other architectural details
The roof of the arcaded house is the dominant element. In the Lion's Manor , Dutch (S-shaped) tiles were used.
“The S-shaped cross-section of the roof tiles allowed for rapid drainage of rainwater and ensured tightness even in gusting winds.”
The heavy ceramics necessitated the use of a massive truss. Note the details: decorative planking and windows with glazing bars. The interiors may have been decorated with polychromes, adding to the splendor of this merchant residence.
The architecture of arcaded houses in Żuławy Gdańskie
The Lion Manor is a prototype of the Żuławy style. To fully appreciate its class, we must consider the evolution of its form – from simple and compact to the more elaborate layouts known from later centuries. This Żuławy house is key to understanding the entire typology of the region.
Typology of arcaded houses:
Type I (Gable): Arcade at the shorter wall (e.g. Lion's Court ).
Type II (Corner): Transitional form.
Type III (Side): Arcade on the longer wall (most popular later).
The Lion Manor is a "living fossil" documenting the times when the house and warehouse formed one massive structure.
The role of Lion's Court in the landscape of the St. Adalbert's Route and the Lipce district
Standing on St. Adalbert's Route, the Lion Manor serves as a visual landmark . Today, although Lipce is part of Gdańsk , this building (along with the nearby Ferber Manor ) forms a historic enclave.
It is an "identity anchor" for the residents, reminding them of the distinctiveness of the former Guteherberge .
The importance of Ignacy Tłoczek's research
We wouldn't know about the uniqueness of this place if it weren't for Professor Ignacy Tłoczek . It was he who proposed the thesis: Lwi Dwór is the oldest arcaded house in Poland.
His research was of a life-saving nature and saved the building from the destruction that befell hundreds of other houses.
The renovation process of the Lion Court in Gdańsk
The road to restoring this historic building to its former glory was bumpy and full of surprises. Buying an arcaded house in such poor condition is always a gamble, where the investor's passion clashes with the harsh reality of conservation costs and requirements.
Eugeniusz Lorek's activities as an investor
The modern history of the Lion Manor is a story of struggle. In 2003, the property was purchased by Eugeniusz Lorek , a renowned Gdańsk restaurateur.
The purchase price (80,000 PLN) was misleading, as the actual costs soared into the millions. The renovation work had to be carried out with surgical precision.
"For Eugeniusz Lorek, the monument became a lifelong challenge. As Eugeniusz Lorek often says , saving such a ruin is a bottomless pit."
Despite the difficulties, the foundations were strengthened and the roof saved. The owner of the Lion Manor performed a titanic task to ensure the building remained intact.
Revalorization project by Stanisław Michel
Engineer Stanisław Michel oversaw the technical aspects. His vision was to expose the structure, which was originally hidden beneath plaster.
As Stanisław Michel , also known for his reconstruction of the miller's house and the reconstruction of the Main Town, says, the approach to the Lion's Court had to combine historical purism with modern requirements.
The idea was to ensure that after a thorough renovation of the facility, it could serve new generations.
Technical challenges and materials used
Biology was the biggest enemy. The 400-year-old wood required refining —inserting healthy fragments.
A problem from the 1960s still remains – brick walls creating thermal bridges. Lorka's monument has been secured, but the discussion about returning to clay (wattle and daub) continues.
The heritage and former owners of the Lion Manor
The history of this place is, above all, about its people. Behind the wooden beams and brickwork lie the fates of powerful families, political intrigues, and the daily lives of the residents who gazed out at the world through the windows of the Lion Court .
The Ferber family and their contribution to the history of Gdańsk
To understand this house, you need to know its founders. The Ferbers were one of the most powerful families in Gdańsk. The family's coat of arms—three pig heads—became a symbol of the area.
The Lion Court played host to high-profile politics. Its most famous moment? The visit of King John III Sobieski in 1677. The arcade's nine columns silently witnessed the royal visit.
The Kleist family and the Three Pigs' Heads inn
It is worth clearing up the confusion with names:
Von Kleist: Prussian aristocracy associated with parks in Orunia.
Three Pig Heads: A famous inn adjacent to the Lion Manor (burned down).
Eugen Kriesel: The last pre-war owner.
Lion Manor in local awareness and the future of the facility
A monument of this caliber cannot remain empty. To survive for centuries to come, it must find a new function that will allow it to generate income while serving the community and tourists eager for authentic history.
Adaptation plans and tourism potential
What's next? Despite salvage efforts, its potential lies dormant. The facility awaits a visionary. Here's a vision for the future:
Lwi Dwór Restaurant: A perfect return to roots. A restaurant like this, Lwi Dwór, could serve Mennonite cuisine.
Offer: The future Lion Manor offers a unique atmosphere that you won't find in the city center.
For whom: The Lion Manor will satisfy the tastes of both history lovers and those who enjoy good cuisine.
If the Lion Court were celebrating its birthday, there would have to be over 450 candles on the cake. It deserves to be vibrant again.
Have you visited Lipce yet to see this architectural wonder for yourself? If not, it's the perfect destination for your next weekend walk in the footsteps of history!
FAQ: Lion Court in Gdańsk – the most important facts, history and architecture
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Lion Court, prepared based on a historical and architectural analysis of this unique monument.
Where exactly is Lion Manor located? The property is located in the Lipka district of Gdańsk at Trakt Św. Wojciecha 297, historically known as the Guteherberge settlement.
Is Lion Manor the oldest arcaded house in Poland? Yes, dendrochronological and architectural studies indicate it is the oldest preserved structure of its type in the country, representing the Żuławy group.
What year does the Lion Manor date from? The timber used in its construction dates back to 1572, while the year of completion is traditionally considered to be 1600.
What does the number of nine columns in the arcade signify? This number symbolized the high social and financial status of the founder (the Ferber family), far exceeding that of ordinary peasants or village heads.
Who was the original owner and founder of the building? The investor was the powerful patrician Ferber family from Gdańsk, who owned Lipce at the time.
Which famous Polish king visited the Lion Court? In 1677, King John III Sobieski and Queen Marysieńka visited the Ferber estate, including the Lion Court.
What is the half-timbered construction used in the building? It is a framed structure made of oak wood, joined with mortises and tenons (no nails), ensuring the structure's flexibility.
What was the original wall structure filled with? Originally, wattle and daub was used, a structure made of twigs or reeds covered with clay, which provided good thermal insulation.
Why was clay replaced with brick in the 1960s? This was a renovation error at the time, intended to strengthen the walls, but in reality it worsened the building's static and thermal properties.
What was the function of the house's arcade? It served both a representative and a functional purpose, allowing for carriage entry and the unloading of goods under the roof during rain.
Did the Lion Manor serve as an inn? Yes, the building evolved into a guesthouse with the right to brew beer and sell alcohol, serving travelers on the route to Gdańsk.
What is flecking used in renovation? It's a wood repair technique that involves cutting out damaged sections and carefully replacing them with healthy wood.
Who is the current owner of Lion Manor? In 2003, the property was purchased by a private investor, Gdańsk restaurateur Eugeniusz Lorek.
How much did the purchase and renovation of the building cost? The purchase cost 80,000 złoty, while the estimated costs of rescue and renovation work reached approximately 2 million złoty.
Is Lion Manor currently open to tourists? The property remains privately owned and has limited access; it is best admired from the outside as a dominant feature of the St. Adalbert Route.
Did the Kleist family own Lion Manor? No, that's a common mistake; the Kleists were Prussian aristocracy associated with the adjacent parkland, not directly with this building.
How does the Lion Manor differ from typical arcaded houses in Żuławy? It represents the oldest Type I (gabled), where the arcade is an extension of the main body, rather than a side extension as in later developments.
What is a S-shaped (panel) tile? This is a ceramic tile with an S-shaped cross-section, ensuring watertightness and rapid drainage, used on the roof of the Lion Manor.
What is the future of the Lion Manor? The property has the potential to become a regional restaurant, museum, or boutique hotel and has been put up for sale.
Are the Lion Court and the Three Pig Heads Inn the same building? No, the historic Three Pig Heads Inn burned down, and its name and traditions were taken over in popular consciousness by the surviving Lion Court.
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