The Hemptenmacher Townhouse

The house at 51 Powstańców Warszawskich Street is the former townhouse of the Hemptenmacher family. This family was one of the largest shipowners on the Baltic Sea in the second half of the 19th century. The Hemptenmachers owned a fleet of 52 sailing ships. They funded the beautiful fountain in the town square—the Fisherman’s Monument—which is a must-see for every tourist.

The townhouse stands out among the many others in Darłowo’s Old Town. It was built in the early 17th century and was rebuilt in the late Baroque style in the 18th century. Another renovation took place in the following century. It is a two-story, brick, plastered townhouse. It is situated in a densely built-up area. The second floor is decorated with floral and geometric bas-reliefs. The side facade features a relief depicting a ship. Unfortunately, the building’s current appearance is not particularly impressive, even though the beauty of its ornamentation allows one to appreciate the architect’s craftsmanship in one’s mind’s eye. Recently, significant efforts have been made to restore this site. Residents and city officials hope that this will happen very soon. Currently, the building houses the Tourist Information Center, operated by the Darłowo Local Tourist Organization.