Bieszczady Cultural Heritage Center FANTO

THE HISTORY OF THE REFINERY IN THE BIESZCZADY

By the 19th century, oil mines were already flourishing in the Bieszczady region. It was here, amid the greenery and mountains, that Karol Perutz built a refinery in 1882. That marked the beginning of an extraordinary story - one of takeovers and the turmoil of war. The refinery changed hands multiple times -Rachmiel Endzweig, Mojżesz Hermann Riech, and later the Galician Oil Mining Company - its products reaching shops throughout the Austro-Hungarian partition. World War I abruptly halted its development, and for a time the refinery even served as a field hospital. After the war, the European oil giant Fanto took over the facility. However, following the death of its founder Dawid Fanto, much of his legacy was sold, including the Bieszczady refinery. Then came another shift in ownership, the Great Depression, Soviet and then German occupation, and finally the removal of equipment to the USSR. After the war, the oil legacy was never revived, and silence settled over the refinery buildings for decades.

FANTO IN THE BIESZCZADY – WHAT VISITORS CAN EXPECT

Step into the heart of the Bieszczady at the FANTO Cultural Heritage Center - a place where history comes alive and wild nature amazes. Visitors can explore the region’s rich biodiversity and heritage through interactive exhibits. With VR headsets and interactive multimedia tables, FANTO offers a virtual journey through the region’s cultural landmarks and natural wonders.

But that’s not all! You’ll uncover the fascinating story of this part of the Bieszczady—from ancient Boyko settlements to the present day. Through impressive 3D holographic projections, you’ll come face to face with the people of the Bieszczady. A massive multimedia wall presents a timeline showcasing the dramatic development of this corner of Podkarpacie.

The biggest highlight of the former refinery is the immersive room - one of the most advanced of its kind, not only in the Bieszczady but in this part of Europe. The 15-minute show transports visitors into the world of wild Bieszczady nature, multiculturalism, and tradition. The visuals are projected on every surface- walls, floor, and ceiling - making it possible to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Bieszczady.

THINGS TO DO IN THE BIESZCZADY – AROUND USTRZYKI DOLNE

Green landscapes and mountain peaks are the trademarks of Ustrzyki Dolne, a picturesque Bieszczady town tucked among whispering forests and majestic hills—a place of peace and quiet. Yet there’s no shortage of interesting attractions and landmarks, perfect for complementing outdoor activities. Visit museum of the Milling Industry and Countryside in Ustrzyki Dolne or museum of the Bieszczady National Park in Ustrzyki Dolne (BdPN) - both great for children too. Other fun things to do near Ustrzyki Dolne include Bicycle Rail Trolleys or Bieszczady School of Crafts. Winter sports enthusiasts will also find something for themselves. Ustrzyki Dolne is home to three ski lifts, and cross-country ski trails are also available in the area. Not far away in Solina, top attractions include Solina Dam with cable car and “Tajemnicza Solina” Thema Park. Fans of sacred architecture shouldn’t miss the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Bieszczady or St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church. Ustrzyki Dolne and the surrounding area promise unforgettable experiences - year-round.

HIKING TRAILS IN THE BIESZCZADY

The area around Ustrzyki Dolne is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Many trails begin right here in the winter capital of the Bieszczady. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy breathtaking views while finding peace and quiet - regardless of the season. For a shorter trek, the blue trail to Kamienna Laworta is a great choice. Take one trail up and another down to enjoy different perspectives. Most options are short, around 3 km. Looking for a longer challenge? Try the red trail to Wielki Król, a 12 km loop that also leads you over Mały Król and Kamienna Laworta, with plenty of wild Bieszczady nature to take in. On the other side of Ustrzyki Dolne, the blue trail leads to Orlik (4 km), while the yellow trail offers a 7 km hike to Gromadzyń. If you enjoy hiking, you might also be interested in completing the Crown of the Ustrzyki Mountains. Looking for more great trails around Ustrzyki Dolne? A hike to the observation tower on Holica is a wonderful choice.

PLACES WORTH SEEING NEARBY:

SOLINA

SOLINA DAM

LAKE SOLINA

SOLINA CABLE CAR

Museum of the Bieszczady National Park in Ustrzyki Dolne

THE MUSEUM OF THE MILLING INDUSTRY AND COUNTRYSIDE IN USTRZYKI DOLNE

USTRZYKI DOLNE

THE CROWN OF USTRZYKI MOUNTAINS TRAIL

GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN ŻŁOBEK

TSERKOV COMPLEX IN RABE

GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN HOSZÓW

GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN RÓWNIA

FORMER GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN USTJANOWA GÓRNA

GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN LISKOWATE

GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN KROŚCIENKO

GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV IN ŁODYNA

Photo: Radosław Stachyrak