Description of the attraction
On Rynok Square, at number 2, there is the "Grif" house or, as it is often called in local guidebooks, the "Under the vultures" kamenitsa. This mansion, built in the style of Dutch Mannerism, appeared right in the center of the city at the end of the 16th century. Its customers and first owners were the von Kelsht family - very wealthy townspeople who could afford to cut a large number of windows in the facade. In those days, real estate tax from residents was collected not from the living space, but from the number of windows in their houses. The architect of the house was Friedrich Gross.
The majestic, triangular pediment is decorated with the image of heraldic animals, which can be seen on the coat of arms of the first owner of the house, the emblem of the city of Wroclaw, which probably derives from the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and the symbol of the city of Bruges, where the von Kelsht family was from. On the pediment, you can see the stucco figures of vultures, lions and eagles. The space above the stone portal is decorated with the coats of arms of the owners of the mansion.
The Grif House is known primarily for the fact that in one of its rooms in the 17th century, performances were regularly staged by students of evangelical educational institutions, in particular, two gymnasiums: St. Elizabeth and St. Mary Magdalene. These performances were given in opposition to similar plays performed by adherents of the Jesuit order. Theatrical performances in the Grif House attracted dozens of spectators. Now local historians note the great importance of this mansion in the history of the school theater in Wroclaw.
At the moment, the building houses the management of the charitable foundation.
