Former Paprocany Ironworks complex in Tychy

The complex of the former Paprocany ironworks lies in Tychy-Paprocany, at ul. Nad Jeziorem 44, by Lake Paprocany and the Gostynka river. Three buildings of the former works have survived, and next to them a former access bridge, a dam and a crossing over it. Nearby grows a natural monument, the Lindens at Paprocany.

From a forge to the Ludwik ironworks

The ironworks was founded in 1703 as an iron forge by Baron Baltazar Erdmann Promnitz, ruler of the Pszczyna entail. In 1775 the Prince of Pszczyna, Frederick Erdmann of Anhalt-Köthen, extended the works and named it after his son Ludwik. From 1778 the manager was August Kiss, father of the sculptor August Kiss. In 1835 the works were modernised by the engineer John Baildon, and in 1856 a steam engine was installed in them. The ironworks was closed in 1878.

The buildings today

In the complex, a residential and administrative building, a production building and an outbuilding stand out. The complex is listed in the heritage register. After years of municipal management the buildings were sold, and the renovated buildings now house a restaurant with a conference room.

Nearby

From the ironworks it is not far to the Tychy Water Park and to the hunting palace in Promnice.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Nad Jeziorem 44, Tychy-Paprocany.
• The complex lies by the lake, right at the water.
• The rules for entering the buildings are set by the current user; it is worth checking them before a visit.