Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, this section of the website is under review. With restaurants and bars closed for such a long time and with many establishments facing uncertain futures, we do not have sufficient information about eating and drinking establishments in Kielce to share with our website visitors. We will update this part of our website once the pandemic is over and bars and restaurants are open again.
Things to do in Kielce – Updated 16 January 2023.
There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Kielce. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy tickets.
Kadzielnia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kielce. The former quarry attracts visitors interested in music, extreme experiences such as ziplining and also geology enthusiasts. It is located on a hill as part of the Kadzielnia Range and is 295m above sea level. As a quarry back in the 18th century, it was a significant source of limestone, which was required primarily for road construction and you can still find traces of mining activity around the area. In the centre is the Geologists Rock and this is protected as part of the Kadzielnia Nature Reserve and is not open to tourists, instead visitors admire the rock from the surrounding paths and viewpoints surrounding the quarry. You’ll find a number of attractions in Kadzielnia such as the underground tourist route, the amphitheatre, a zip-line station and a waterfall. The Kadzielnia Amphitheater is one of the most unique and beautiful stages in the country. The surrounding rocks provide a natural backdrop and also enhance the acoustics. The amphitheatre has operated for more than 50 years and underwent a thorough modernisation in 2010, today it can seat as many as 5,430 spectators. During inclement weather, the stage and auditorium is covered with a retractable roof.
The Palace of the Kraków Bishops in Kielce was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Bishop of Kraków, Jakub Zadzik. The architect of the palace was Tommaso Poncino of Lugano who designed the building using both Polish and Italian building traditions. The design included a loggia with marble columns and four hexagonal domed towers on its corners. Above the loggia’s arches were cartouches with the coats of arms of Bishop Zadzik, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Kraków chapter. At the rear of the palace is a geometric Italian garden surrounded by fruit trees. Currently the palace houses a branch of the National Museum with an important gallery of Polish paintings.
The National Museum in Kielce is located in the Palace of the Kraków Bishops. Its collections include exhibits of Polish and Western European art, antique weapons, coins, archaeology and natural sciences. The art collection includes Baroque and Rococo portrait painting to Realism and Impressionism.
The full name for Kielce Cathedral is the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is actually a Roman Catholic church that has been given the status of cathedral and is located in the heart of the city next to the Palace of the Bishops of Kraków on Castle Hill. It was originally built during the 12th century but was subsequently destroyed by the tartars in 1260. Reconstruction of the building began in 1719 in the early Baroque style.
The Museum of Toys and Play is the largest and oldest museum of this type in Poland. It has an exhibition area of 631 square metres and thousands of exhibits. You’ll find historical and folk toys, dolls from all over the world, model cars, aeroplanes, boats, railway models, theatrical dolls and much more. Many of the exhibits are interactive and children are encouraged to get involved. The museum has two play areas, one indoors and the other in the courtyard, which is open during the summer. You’ll find the museum in the 19th-century market hall at Plac Wolności
Kielce’s historic market square has been the administrative heart of the city since the middle of the 14th century. On the west side of the square if the Neoclassical city hall and just to the left of this on the corner of Ulica Mała, you’ll find an adorable painted blue house with a small arcade containing a café, which dates from 1767. The house once belonged to the Bishop of Kraków’s cook.
Ulica Jana Pawła II on the southern slope of Castle Hill is home to the only 18th century wooden mansion still standing in Kielce. It is considered to be one of the city’s architectural treasures and a visit there is a great way to tap into the folk culture of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. Today it serves as the administrative office of the Open-Air Museum of the Kielce Village and hosts temporary exhibitions.
The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic and Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary are located on Łysiec mountain, nowadays referred to as Święty Krzyż mountain. Święty Krzyż (Mount Holy Cross) is the second highest mountain in the region at 595m. If you believe local folk legend, the mountain was especially liked by witches and during their Sabbaths, they practised witchcraft and organised hellish parties and dances on the summit. Today, you can see remains of a 9th century stone rampart surrounding the top of the mountain in addition to the Benedictine monastery with its Relics of the Holy Cross Tree. The 1000 year old monastery is managed by the Missionary Oblates. Every year, the Holy Cross Sanctuary is visited by crowds of pilgrims, visitors and tourists, who want to see this unique place. In the church on the mountain you can see a valuable painting of Franciszek Smuglewicz, monastery porches, a sacristy, the Oleśnicki family’s chapel and the Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
Karczówka Monastery was built shortly after the city of Kielce was spared from a plague epidemic in 1622 by the Bishop of Kraków to say thank you to God for sparing the city. In 1655, the monastery was destroyed by the Swedes and was re-built in the early 18th century. The structure is crowned by two copper-covered cupolas and is decorated in the Rococo style. It has a lovely chapel under the main tower with an altar piece made from lead discovered in Karczówka’s mines in 1646.
You’re find this lovely 8 ha park at the southern foot of Castle Hill. It features a large pond, willow trees, a fountain, a mature forest and an aviary containing a variety of rare birds.
Around & about in Bydgoszcz – Updated 16 January 2023.
In addition to our recommended Top 10 things to do in Bydgoszcz, there are a number of other interesting places to visit in the city and in the surrounding area.
If you have time on your hands and have already explored our top recommendations, other interesting things to see include; The Legend of the Archer, a statue of a female archer unveiled in 1910 and to this day, nobody knows who the model was. Another interesting sculpture can be found in Nicolaus Copernicus Square. In the streets of Bydgoszcz, you may find dead tree trunks which have been turned into sculptures.
The city of Toruń is only 46km away from Bydgoszcz and is definitely worth a day trip, the whole city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toruń is one of the oldest cities in Poland and has many monuments of architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. The city is famous for having preserved almost intact its medieval spatial layout and many Gothic buildings, all built from brick, including monumental churches, the Town Hall and many burgher houses.
Toruń was left mercifully untouched by World War II and a walk through the city today provides a complete picture of life back during medieval times. You’ll find Gothic parish churches in both the Old Town and the New Town in addition to medieval brick townhouses complete with Gothic façades, partition walls, stucco-decorated ceilings, vaulted cellars, and painted decoration.
The Exploseum is an open-air museum of industrial architecture combined with a museum of 20th century technology outskirts of the city, in Bydgoszcz Industrial Park. It is built around the World War II Nazi Germany munitions factory DAG Fabrik Bromberg and covers the life of the forced laborers (prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates of various nations), their acts of sabotage and the history of the DAG and of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. A significant part of the 2 kilometre-long museum route are underground passages connecting the factory buildings. DAG Fabrik Bromberg was an explosives factory manufacturing smokeless powder, TNT and nitro-glycerine for the Wehrmacht.
Biskupin is an archaeological site located in the Kujawy region of Poland, near the village of Gąsawa. It is an open-air museum that reconstructs the life of an ancient fortified settlement of the Lusatian culture, which existed between the 8th and the 2nd century BCE. The settlement was discovered in 1933 and is believed to have been occupied by a tribe of the Lusatian culture, which was a Bronze Age culture that existed in the present-day Poland, Czech Republic and Germany.
The reconstructed settlement features houses, fortifications, and other structures that were built using traditional techniques and materials, providing visitors with a glimpse of how life was for the people who lived there. The settlement also features a museum that contains artifacts discovered at the site, including pottery, jewelry, and tools.
Biskupin is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Poland and attracts many visitors each year, including history buffs, families, and school groups.
It is open all year round and offers guided tours, workshops, and other activities to visitors. The site has also a replica of a reconstructed boat that was used in the ancient times and is a popular attraction among visitors.
Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, this section of the website is under review. With restaurants and bars closed for such a long time and with many establishments facing uncertain futures, we do not have sufficient information about eating and drinking establishments in Bydgoszcz to share with our website visitors. We will update this part of our website once the pandemic is over and bars and restaurants are open again. Please check this section again soon.
Things to do in Bydgoszcz – Updated 16 January 2023.
There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Bydgoszcz. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy ticket.
Mill Island (Venice of Bydgoszcz) is a historic area located in the Old Town of Bydgoszcz and is home to around 360,000 residents. It is a very popular area for locals and visitors because it is one the most beautiful scenic spots in the city, with a picturesque waterfront, locks and dams, footbridges, lawns, a canal waterfall, old trees and impressive red brick buildings.
The Church of St. Martin and Nicolaus is the oldest building in Bydgoszcz, erected between 1466 and 1502. The Gothic church is commonly known as Fara Church and is home to a 16th century painting entitled Madonna with a Rose or the Holy Virgin of Beautiful Love.
The work of Polish sculptor Jerzy Kędziora, the ‘Man crossing the river’ is an iconic sculpture of a young man attempting to cross the river on a wire. It was unveiled on 1st May 2004, the day that Poland joined the European Union.
The best way to admire the sights of Bydgoszcz is to take the Water Tram, which starts at Rybi Rynek. Thousands of tourists take the tram each year, which will take you along one of two routes, the Old Town Route or the Sunny Route. The trams named Słonecznik I and II are modern, environmentally friendly vessels, powered by solar energy, which can carry 28 people on board.
Bydgoszcz Canal is a canal, 24.7 km long, between the cities of Bydgoszcz and Nakło in Poland, connecting the Vistula River with the Oder River, through their tributaries: the Brda River, the Notec River and the Warta River. The level difference along the canal is regulated by 6 locks. The canal was built between 1773 and 1774, at the order of Frederick II, King of Prussia.
The Granaries on the Brda River are the symbol of the city and are used as the official city logo. Historically, the granaries were among many grain storehouses in the city, today, they are part of the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum.
Located in the Las Gdański water intake and Water Tower in the Szwederowo district, the museum of waterworks was established using EU funds. The museum explains how waterworks operate, how does it get to the taps, what happens to waste water when you pull out the plug. In addition, the museum addresses environmental and health issues such as why we should care for water and why we cannot live without it.
Interactive time travel through the history of cleanliness, dirt and soap making, which has deep-rooted ties with Bydgoszcz.
The park is extremely popular with the residents of Bydgoszcz due to its excellent transport links with the centre of the city. It covers 830 ha of wilderness, which includes 500 ha of forest.
Still a working post office open 24 hours per day, this is one of the most spectacular buildings located on the Brda riverbank. It was built in the 19th century in the Prussian national style.
Q: What is Bydgoszcz known for?
A: Bydgoszcz is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with many historical buildings and monuments such as the Old Market Square, the Gothic St. Martin’s Church, and the 19th century Opera Nova. It is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, such as the Botanical Garden, the Mill Island and the Park of Culture and Relaxation.
Q: What is the best time to visit Bydgoszcz?
A: The best time to visit Bydgoszcz would be from May to September, when the weather is warm and pleasant and the city’s many outdoor attractions can be enjoyed.
Q: How do I get to Bydgoszcz?
A: Bydgoszcz can be reached by plane, train or bus. The city has its own airport, Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport, which has regular flights from Warsaw, Krakow and Gdańsk. The city is also well connected by train and bus to other major cities in Poland.
Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Bydgoszcz?
A: Some popular tourist attractions in Bydgoszcz include the Old Market Square, the Gothic St. Martin’s Church, the 19th century Opera Nova, the Botanical Garden, the Mill Island and the Park of Culture and Relaxation, and the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum.
Q: Are there any good hotels in Bydgoszcz?
A: There are many good hotels in Bydgoszcz to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular options include the Hotel Pod Orlem, the Hotel Mercure Bydgoszcz Centrum, and the Hotel Focus.
Around & about – updated 16 January 2023.
There’s not a lot to see and do in Bialystok, it will only take a couple of days to see all the attractions on our Top 10 list; however, if you’re in the city and therefore in Podlasie, we highly recommend that you take a day trip to Bialowieza National Park. It is located around 95km away but will only take you 1½ hours in a car.
Bialowieza National Park is well-known for two reasons. Firstly, it is home to Europe’s largest land mammal, the European bison and secondly, the park shelters a sizeable chunk of original lowland primeval forest; which has remained undisturbed for hundreds of years. The forest has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
The park is called the “last untouched wilderness of Europe” and has an inner zone consisting of old-growth forest which has been living without much human intervention for over 800 years.
If the trip to Bialowieza National Park is too far away, then don’t worry, there are another two National Parks that are much closer to Białystok.
Narew and Biebrza National Parks are around 36km away and they both have a lot to offer. There are also three Landscape Parks, 88 nature reserves and 15 protected landscape areas within the region.
Biebrza National Park is a protected area in northeastern Poland, located in the Masurian Voivodeship. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including large populations of European bison, elk, and beaver, as well as many bird species such as the black stork, crane, and white-tailed eagle. The park is also home to several rare and protected plant species. The park covers an area of about 58,000 hectares and is divided into two parts: the Biebrza Marsh and the Rospuda Valley. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Narew National Park is a protected area located in northeastern Poland, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The park is situated along the Narew River, which is known for its unique, meandering course and the diverse range of habitats it creates, such as riverine forests, meadows, and marshes. The park covers an area of around 34,000 hectares and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species of birds, such as the white-tailed eagle and the black stork, as well as mammals like the European bison, elk and beaver. The park is also home to several rare and protected plant species. The park is popular destination for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and kayakers. The park offers a good opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region, and also has a few hiking trails that can be taken to explore the park.
The Podlaskie Museum of Folk Culture is not far from Białystok and features a great collection of the local folk art and typical examples of peasant houses and farm buildings characteristic of the region. The museum is located at the northern borders of Białystok, in the settlement of Wasilków, on the road to Augustów.
This outdoor museum has forty buildings and other cultural artefacts gathered from around the region. There are also two windmills, a cave-house, a Belarusian cottage, a forge and a lumberjack’s hut.
Among the collection is a relocated Neoclassical wooden manor house from the 1810s with a whole hamlet with five homesteads surrounding a central square. These homes are furnished with traditional furniture and pottery.
Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, this section of the website is under review. With restaurants and bars closed for such a long time and with many establishments facing uncertain futures, we do not have sufficient information about eating and drinking establishments in Białystok to share with our website visitors. We will update this part of our website once the pandemic is over and bars and restaurants are open again.
Top 10 things to do – updated 15 January 2023.
There’s a lot to see and do in the city and surrounding area. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Bialystok. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy ticket.
Built for a man who wanted to be the King of Poland, the Branicki Palace and gardens is a good way to kill a few hours whilst you are in Bialystok. It’s a beautiful palace with impressive gardens, complete with pavilions, sculptures and outbuildings. The gardens are free and are open all year. It is possible to see the interior of the palace, some parts can be accessed for free, other areas require that you purchase a ticket. The palace contains the Museum of the History of Medicine.
Bialystok is part of an area known as the ‘Green Lungs of Poland’ for the quality of its air, and this sprawling, ‘Planty Park’ that occupies over 35 acres near Branicki Palace is the perfect place to enjoy it.
Painted on the side of the four-storey high building at al Józefa Piłsudskiego 11/4 is a mural of a little girl appearing to water an actual tree and this has become a Bialystok icon. The official name for the art is The Legend of Giants, it was pained by Natalia Rak in 2013.
There are a number of good museums in the city such as The History Museum, which showcases the history of Bialystok and Podlasie. A light show featuring a large model of Bialystok in its late 18th-century heyday is the highlight of this museum, which is an annex of the Podlasie Museum, which can be found at the Town Hall.
Before World War II, Bialystok had 60 synagogues serving a population of over 40,000 Jews, or about half of the city’s population. Only three synagogue buildings survived the war, one of which was the Cytron Synagogue where the few hundred Bialystok Jews who survived the Holocaust worshipped after the war. Today it is a branch of the Podlasie Museum and is used as an art gallery and for special exhibitions.
The main market square and focal point of the city, the Rynek has been rebuilt several times and has an unusual trapezoidal shape. The square houses the Town Hall, which is home to the Podlasie Museum.
A cultural institution founded to celebrate the organisation of the 94th World Congress of Esperanto that was held from 25 July to 1 August 2009 in Bialystok. The Zamenhof Centre offers the visitors a permanent exhibition, ‘Bialystok of Young Zamenhof’ and various temporary exhibitions, concerts, film projections, and theatre performances.
Dating from 1905, the grand neo-Gothic brick Roman Catholic cathedral in Bialystok is attached to a late-Renaissance parish church dating from 1627 and an 18th-century baroque presbytery. The actual name for the cathedral is The Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Housed within the Branicki Palace, this museum features historical medical exhibits.
The largest Orthodox church in Poland, which is topped with a cross weighing an impressive 1500kg. The large cross represents Christ, while 12 smaller crosses around it represent the apostles.
A Byzantine style church built in 1846 with a central cupola.
Q: What is the population of Białystok?
A: As of 2021, the population of Białystok is approximately 297,000 people.
Q: What is the currency used in Białystok?
A: The official currency in Białystok and all of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN).
Q: What is the best time to visit Białystok?
A: The best time to visit Białystok depends on your preference. Summer months from June to August are generally considered to be the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and pleasant and there are many outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.
Q: What is the weather like in Białystok?
A: Białystok has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 21°C (70°F) and in winter is around -3°C (27°F).
Q: What is the official language in Białystok?
A: The official language in Białystok and all of Poland is Polish.
Q: What is the main mode of transportation in Białystok?
A: The main mode of transportation in Białystok is by bus and tram, but also have a railway station connecting the city with other cities in Poland. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive, and there are also several bike rental companies in the city.
Q: How do I get to Białystok from the airport?
A: The Białystok-Sokółka Airport (BZG) is located about 25km from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center. There is also a train service that connects the airport to the main railway station in Białystok.
Q: Are there any good places to eat in Białystok?
A: Białystok offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional Polish cuisine to international cuisine. Some popular restaurants in the city include Karczma Bida Pod Lipami, Karczma Zielona, and Restauracja Pod Arkadami.
Wooden churches – updated 10 January 2023.
The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list are located in: Binarowa (ca 1500), Blizne (mid-15th century.), Dębno (1335), Haczów (14th/15th century), Lipnica Murowana (end of 15th century) and Sękowa (1520). They were built using the horizontal log technique and represent outstanding examples of the different aspects of medieval church-building traditions in Roman Catholic culture.
These old wooden Gothic churches were all located within the historic region of Małopolska in southern and south-eastern Poland and were sponsored by families of nobility as symbols of their prestige.
The horizontal log technique was commonplace in Northern and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. The wooden church style of the region was Gothic ornament and painted detail and was very different to the style of stone and brick buildings at the time due to the timber construction, structure and form of the churches.
The form of the churches was influenced by the Greco-Catholic and Orthodox presence in the region. They had an extensive spatial structure initially consisting of a rectangular nave and a narrower chancel to the east, usually terminating in a three-sided apse. Chambered towers of post-and-beam construction were added at the west end later on.
The standard of joinery was of the highest quality and the use of advanced joinery solutions allowed for a system of roof trusses binding the log structures of the nave and chancel resulting in tall, shingled roofs.
The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska all exhibit diverse techniques and styles of workmanship, rich iconography, outstanding artistic quality and boast valuable décors and fittings.
The oldest church is the 15th century church in Haczów, made of fir-wood and covered with shingles.
The church at Binarowa boasts a very precious wall painting depicting scenes from the New Testament and a carved wood figure of Madonna from the 14th century.
The majority of the wooden churches are located in picturesque mountain valleys and the six trails on the Route of Timber Architecture in the Małopolska region are over 1500km long. They feature 232 timber constructions including 123 Roman Catholic churches, 39 Orthodox churches, 25 rural and small-town complexes, and 27 rural architecture museums that comprise 9 skansens and 14 country manors.
Q: What are the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska?
A: The Wooden Churches are a group of 15 medieval churches that are located in the southern part of the Malopolska region of Poland. They are characterized by their unique wooden architecture and are considered to be some of the most valuable examples of medieval wooden church architecture in Europe. These churches were built by local communities in the 16th and 17th century, and are notable for their intricate and ornate design, as well as for their historical and cultural significance.
Q: What are the characteristics of these Wooden Churches?
A: These churches are characterized by their wooden structure and the ornate decorations on their exteriors and interiors. Many of them have tall spires, multiple towers, and richly decorated facades. They are usually painted in bright colors and adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Bible or local folklore. The interiors are usually decorated with biblical scenes and religious motifs, often painted in a vivid colors. The technical characteristics of these churches also make them interesting, many of them were built using the technique of log construction, but others were built using wooden frame construction, and they offer a great example of how these ancient techniques were used.
Q: How can I visit the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska?
A: The churches are open to visitors and can be visited during the daytime. The opening hours of the churches vary, so it is best to check the information on the official website or contact the church directly for more information. Some of the churches are located in remote areas and are difficult to reach by public transportation, so it is recommended to have your own means of transportation, or to consider joining a guided tour.
Q: Are there any guided tours available?
A: Yes, there are several tour companies that offer guided tours of the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska. These tours typically include visits to several of the churches, and provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history, architecture and cultural significance of the churches. Some tours also include other nearby attractions, such as castles and historical towns, which can give visitors a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s culture and history.
Q: Are there any other nearby attractions?
A: Yes, there are several other notable attractions in the southern Malopolska region, including:
Learn about the gems of Polish wooden architecture outside of Kraków. Visit several villages to see the collection of Gothic wooden churches designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Your guide/driver will pick you up at 8:00 AM from your accommodation in Kraków. The first town you will visit is Lipnica Murowana to see St. Leonard’s Church, which was built at the end of 15th century. This is 1 of 6 churches designated a UNESCO Wooden Church of Southern Lesser Poland.
Continue on to see 2 more churches on this UNESCO list, starting with St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Binarowa. This church, completed in 1500, features one of the most valuable appearances of late Gothic architecture in Poland. The third stop on the route is the village of Sękowa. See another example of Gothic wooden architecture at Saints Philip and James Church, built around 1520. This church is often named the “Pearl of Beskid Niski” due to its unique architecture.
Finally, head to Owczary, the last stop on the tour, where the Orthodox Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Church is located. Erected in the middle of the 17th century, this is one of the oldest Lemko churches and is listed on another UNESCO list: Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine. After touring these 4 remarkable, historical churches, return to Kraków where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Wooden Tserkvas – updated 09 January 2023.
The tserkvas Of The Carpathian Region were built between the 16th and 19th centuries by communities of Orthodox and Greek Catholic faiths. Sixteen tserkvas (churches) are listed by UNESCO of which eight are located in Poland and eight are located in Ukraine.
The tserkvas were built of horizontal logs and were complex structures constructed using distinct building traditions rooted in Orthodox ecclesiastic design interwoven with elements of local tradition. The wooden tserkvas were built on a tri-partite plan surmounted by open quadrilateral or octagonal domes and cupolas with wooden bell towers on the outside and iconostases and polychrome decorations in the inside.
Outside, they had churchyards, gatehouses and graveyards bounded by perimeter walls or fences and gates, often surrounded by trees.
Exceptional carpentry skills were required to construct the tserkvas particularly for the complex corner jointing that was required. The tserkvas were raised on wooden sills placed on stone foundations, with wooden shingles covering roofs and walls.
The tserkvas in Poland are the Tserkva of St Parascheva in Radruż, the Tserkva of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chotyniec, the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Smolnik, the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Turzańsk (Podkarpackie Voivodeship), the Tserkva of St James the Less in Powroźnik, the Tserkva of the Virgin Mary’s Care in Owczary, the Tserkva of St Parascheva in Kwiatoń and the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Brunary Wyżne (Małpolskie Voivodeship).
The 16 churches can be divided into four groups of different ethnographic architectural traditions.
The Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine were included on the World Heritage List in 2013 during the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee in Phnom Penh (dec. 37 COM 8B.37).
Buildings are available to visitors. The tserkvas in Radruz, Rohatyn and Drohobych are currently used as museums.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the wooden tserkvas (churches) of the Carpathian region:
Where are the tserkvas of the Carpathian region located?
The tserkvas are located in the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. They can be found in countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia.
What is the history of the tserkvas?
The tserkvas have a long history dating back to the medieval period. They were built by the Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic communities of the region, and they were an important cultural and spiritual center for these communities. Many of the tserkvas are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their architectural and historical significance.
Are the tserkvas of the Carpathian region open to the public?
Yes, many of the tserkvas are open to the public. Some are still used as places of worship, while others have been converted into museums or cultural centers.
Is there a cost to visit the wooden tserkvas?
There may be a fee to visit some of the tserkvas. The cost of admission varies depending on the specific tserkva and the type of tour or visit you choose.
Are there guided tours of the wooden tserkvas of the Carpathian region?
Yes, guided tours of the wooden tserkvas are available for visitors. The tours are typically offered in the local language, but English-language tours may also be available upon request.
Are the wooden tserkvas of the Carpathian region wheelchair accessible?
The accessibility of the tserkvas can vary. Some of the tserkvas may have stairs or other barriers that make them difficult to access for people with mobility impairments. It is recommended to contact the specific tserkva you plan to visit in advance to inquire about accessibility details.