ON THE BANKS OF THE SAN RIVER, WHAT ATTRACTS TRAVELERS TO SMALL GALICIAN TOWNS

Leżajsk – Who Pilgrims Come Here?

Every year, Hasidic Jews. They come to visit the grave of Rabbi Elimelech, one of the founders of Hasidism, which makes this place an important spiritual and cultural center for many followers of this branch of Judaism. The town's Jewish heritage is also present in the preserved fragments of the former synagogue and in the cemetery, where old tombstones can be seen, bearing witness to the long history and tradition of the Jewish community in Leżajsk.

Who Else Comes to Leżajsk?

Music lovers and Catholic pilgrims. Leżajsk proudly boasts one of its most unique attractions – the baroque organs in the Basilica of the Bernardine Fathers, which are among the most valuable in Poland. This instrument, adorning the interior of the basilica, delights with its architectural grandeur and extraordinary sound, attracting music enthusiasts from all over Poland. The basilica, also a splendid example of baroque architecture, is a place of pilgrimage and the central point of spirituality in the region.

Leżajsk Land Museum – From Wooden Toys to Distilling

The Leżajsk Land Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge about local history and culture. One of the most interesting exhibits is the collection of traditional wooden toys, reflecting the region's former craftsmanship and folklore. The museum also has an exhibition dedicated to the local distilling tradition, referring to the activities of the Leżajsk Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Poland. This exhibition brings the history of beer production closer and highlights the significance of this industry for the economy and culture of Leżajsk.

The Undergrounds of Jarosław and Their Origins

Jarosław, located on the San River, also has a rich historical heritage in the form of its undergrounds. This town is a magnet for engineers and scientists studying the secrets of soil erosion. But why? Here’s a bit of history.

Jarosław is known for its extensive network of underground corridors, which once served as warehouses and storage for goods. These undergrounds stretch to three levels beneath the ground and were created at a time when Jarosław was an important commercial center. During the golden age of fairs, which attracted tens of thousands of merchants to the city, these undergrounds were crucial for storing goods. Their existence was a source of local wealth in the town’s prime, but over the following decades, it contributed to the city's major problems as the loess soil began to soften and collapse.

The Rescue Operation in Jarosław Led by Miners and Scientists from AGH

In response to severe structural damage caused by collapsing undergrounds, Jarosław undertook an extensive rescue operation. Scientists from the AGH University of Science and Technology, along with miners, conducted a pioneering operation that required the development of new methods and technologies in engineering and rescue operations. Thanks to this initiative, the town avoided disaster and was saved from devastation, becoming an example for other towns facing similar problems, such as Sandomierz or Opatów.

Sacred Secrets of Jarosław and jarosław's Skylights

One of the oldest and most mysterious urban temples is the Church of St. Nicholas – a church whose history dates back to the 13th century. It was partially destroyed in a fire in the 17th century. After reconstruction, it retained its characteristic Gothic architectural style inside. The walls are adorned with numerous paintings depicting biblical scenes, as well as monsters and heretics, reminding of the city's turbulent history and its ongoing battle against evil.

The Town of Pipes

Przemyśl attracts connoisseurs and collectors of handcrafted pipes. It is here that workshops and demonstrations of pipe-making craftsmanship take place, and local artisans continue centuries-old traditions, creating true works of art used for smoking tobacco.

Przemyśl, known as the capital of the Polish pipe, is a place where the extraordinary tradition of handmade pipe-making has been cultivated since the 1870s. The pipes made in this town are a combination of precise craftsmanship and artistic artistry, making them not only practical items but also small works of art. In Przemyśl, master pipe craftsmen continue their work, and their creations are prized by collectors worldwide. The Museum of Bells and Pipes serves as the center of this tradition, showcasing rich collections. Every year, the Pipe Festival takes place in the city, attracting enthusiasts of the craft from all over the world.

The Przemyśl Fortress – A Paradise for Military Enthusiasts

The Przemyśl Fortress is one of the largest fortifications in Europe. It is a monumental witness to the region's tumultuous history. The forts scattered around the town are now a tourist attraction and a place of remembrance for the conflicts that shaped the fate of Przemyśl and all of Europe.

Cultural Diversity of Przemyśl

Przemyśl is a city where cultures and religions intersect, creating a unique mosaic. The presence of two cathedrals – Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic – is a testament to the multiculturalism of this region. Located right by the border with Ukraine, Przemyśl has long been a place where Polish, Ukrainian, Austrian, and Jewish influences meet. Walking through the charming streets of the town, one can discover traces of these cultures, making Przemyśl not only a tourist destination but also an important witness to the history of multicultural Europe.