RAFTERS OF ULANÓW - UNESCO HERITAGE

A considerable recommendation to get to know the rafting traditions is their inclusion in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity - a certificate that needs no explanation.

Now a few words about the history of Ulanów and the rafters.

Ulanów used to be called "little Gdansk." This was due to rafting, which was developed on a huge scale. Indeed, the riverside location of the village determined its function. From the 16th until the 20th century, the town was the capital of Polish rafting. Ships were built and repaired here, with a special focus on scows. From here originated the raftsmen and the rafters subordinate to them, operating river transportation not only on the San and Vistula, but also on other Polish rivers.

Rafting Port, San River in Ulanów, photo by D. Bobrowicz

Rafters from Ulanów transported various goods (primarily wood) to Gdańsk, sold there to Polish and foreign merchants. It is interesting to note that after sailing the rafts to Gdańsk, the rafters returned to Ulanów on foot, bringing attractive souvenirs. In memory of this tradition, Ulanów organizes galley rafting trips in the summer. Journey is organized onboard wooden, flat-bottomed inland waterway vessel modeled after the historic Ulanów scows.

Would you like to take part in a rafting trip?

You can find offers at: Rafting Club from Ulanów

After the rafting trip in Ulanów ,visit the wooden church of  St. John the Baptist of 1643, with an interesting polychrome on canvas. In this painting, its creator wanted to create the illusion that the temple is made of brick (29 Kościelna Street, Ulanów).

Then head to the Museum of Polish Rafting, which documents the history of Ulanów rafters(Rynek 5, Ulanów).