Poland is filled with a rich history, some dating as far back as the first century. It is home to historic structures, a vast Baltic shoreline, hills and lakes formed in or around the Pleistocene Ice Age, flora and fauna species not be found anywhere else in the European continent. There are a couple of villages and small towns worth a visit and your time…
10 STUNNING SMALL TOWN TO VISIT
1.SANOK
Directly below the Carpathian Mountains and on the San River you will find the town of Sanok.The down dates back almost one thousand years and houses the Sanok Castle and the Icon Collection. The town as ‘n rich history and architecture and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding areas. You can also visit the Old Town and the Museum of Folk Architecture – for nature lovers the town offers a 70km trail which can be used by hikers and bikers.
2.SANDOMIERZ
The town is best known for its Old Town, and is the best attraction of this little town. You can explore the underground tourist route and many castles and churches. Originally constructed in 1360 and later renovated in the 18th century the Collegium Gostomianum is regarded as one of the oldest schools in the country. A must to see!
3.ZLOTORYJA
The previously gold mining town is located by the foothills of Kaczawa – as the oldest town in the country it is also known as ‘Land of Dormant Volcanoes’. You can also visit the 13th Century Church of Birth of Saint Virgin Mary and the Blacksmith’s Tower (Baszta Kowalska). You can visit the Gold Mining Museum to educate yourself about the town’s celebrated gold mining past.
4.BIECZ
Considered once as one of the most significant trading towns in Poland, the town is situated on the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The town is also know for many historic acts such as “Chocim War” penned by Wacław Potocki. A must see is the late-Gothic parish church that houses a 1633 music sheet, it is the biggest landmark of the region. You can also visit the historic hall at the Chodor House and the museum at the Kromerówka.
5.JAROSLAW
During the 16th and 17th century it hosted the second biggest trade which welcomed businessmen from all around the globe. The brilliant layout of the town almost remained untouched since it was built in 1375. The underground cellars and storage facilities are the primary tourist attraction. You can visit the town’s historic palaces and fortifications to know more about the history and architecture, and also visit the Orsetti House which houses a museum entirely dedicated to Jarosław. In the many churches and synagogues you can learn about the prominent personalities who lived here.
6.RYDZYNA
Often nicknamed as the “Pearl of the Polish Baroque”, because of the several baroque palaces and structures that line the town’s streets. The 17th century architects Jan Stier and Pompeo Ferrai are mostly accredited for most of the architecture. The historic structures from the 18th and 19th century complement the surroundings they stand within, along with the most historically significant edifice in the town, the Rydzyna Castle. Also worth a visit is the late Baroque style St. Stanisław’s Church, the final resting place of the town’s founder and The Holy Trinity Figure, erected in honor of the 1709 plague that decimated most of the town’s population.
7.RESZEL
The prehistoric (Prussian Tribe) town is stuck in time. The most prominent structures in town is the striking Gothic Episcopal Castle and the St. Peter’s church which is designed in the similar Gothic-style and dating back as far as the 14th century. You can also visit remarkable structures such as the 19th century Classicist town hall, St. John’s Church, the Jesuit Complex from the 15th and 16th century, and the nearby Catholic shrine of Święta Lipka, a highly revered pilgrimage site for Germans, Polish as well as Lithuanians since the 17th century.
8.TYKOCIN
The town once housed around 36 beer taverns, 15 vodka joints and 10 mead inns – and was a favorite stop among Polish Kings and Lithuanian princes for some alcoholic refreshments. The small town is one of the oldest settlements and is situated by the River Narew. It is home to over one hundred historic structures, including but not limited to the Tykocin Castle, the baroque Church of the Holy Trinity, the Jewish Cemetery – one of the oldest in the country, and the Baroque Tykocin Synagogue – one of the best-preserved in Poland and a major tourist attraction.
9.CHELMNO
The town is spread over nine hills near the River Vistula, and was one of the most developed towns during the State of the Teutonic Order.The charming town has an extremely-preserved medieval center with a splendid Renaissance town hall in the heart of the market square and five astonishing Gothic churches. The locals and tourist sometime refer to the town as the “town of love”, due (allegedly) to one of the churches may have once held the relics of St. Valentine. The many “lover’s benches” around the town, promising a blissful love-life are proof of this belief.
10.KAZIMIERZ DOLNY
Once an important town for the region’s grain-trading business, but today is regarded as one of the most preserved historic towns in the country. Since the 19th century the town has attracted creative geniuses from all over the globe due to its thriving art scene. Art and sculpture galleries of almost all kinds can be found around the town’s streets. You can also visit the Parish church of St. Bartholomew and John the Baptist, the remnants of the Kazimierz Dolny Castle, St. Anne Church, and the many historic granaries. Lush greenery and wonderful hillsides is surrounding the town.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Poland as the weather becomes increasingly warm moving into late April and May. Rain is also less frequent in spring than in summer with more comfortable temperatures.
