Oak Józef in Wiśniowa – European Tree of the Year 2017

Thanks to the 1^st prize in the national contest “Tree of the Year 2016”, Oak Józef took part in the international contest “European Tree of the Year 2017”. The initiative aims at highlighting the importance of trees from natural and cultural point of view. 

The tree grows in the park of Wiśniowa manor house. Oak Józef was popular in the 1930’s, when its picture was on the 100 zloty note. Pre-war note was designed by master Józef Mehoffer himself, after whom the oak was named.

The WWII is the author of countless number of heroic acts of goodwill, genuine help and sacrifice which brought people together in their dramatic fight for survival. Among many stories from those years in memory of people of Wiśniowa lives Rozalia Proszak, who helped in finding shelter and  risked her own life when bringing food to jewish family. Thanks to the hiding in Oak Józef trunk, to which resident of Wiśniowa took them, they  survived the occupation.

Places worth seeing nearby:

Tadeusz Kantor Museum in Wielopole Skrzyńskie

Strzyżów

Railway bunker in Stępina-Cieszyna

Czarnorzeki-Strzyżów Landscape Park

• Nature reserve Chełm Mountain

• Nature reserve Herby

Photo: Cultural Centre in Wiśniowa