Heppner House

The house number 28 is an amazing building located on Rynok Square, in L’viv. It bears many names: Heppner House, Doctor House, Dominick kam’ianytsia. In 1610, Doctor Dominique Paul Heppner used to live in this building. Later it belonged to other doctors, pharmacists, and hence its various names. Since the reconstruction in the 17th century kam’ianytsia has been preserved quite well. On the ground floor you can still see a wooden ceiling. Gothic portal and cornices made of black stone in the Renaissance style are well seen on the orange-red background of the building.

Architects and artists have tried to make each kam’ianytsia unique and special, using the latest technologies of those times, decorating and adorning interior and exterior. In the Middle Ages, every house was in colour, representing well famous “L’viv polychrome”, but because of the proliferation of cement companies, in the 19th century, under Austrian rule, all houses were painted in gray. Only 30 years ago kam’ianytsias were coloured as they were many years ago and today we can enjoy colours of Rynok Square, as well as Heppner House. However, it’s attractive not only because of its colour, but also numerous inscriptions on the building. These Latin proverbs and quotes of famous philosophers point to the profession of their former owners. Due to such interesting decorations of the façade, this house is called "kam’ianytsia with aphorisms".