HISTORIC OBSERVATION AND DEFENSIVE TOWER IN LEŻAJSK

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF PODKARPACIE – THE HISTORY OF THE HISTORIC TOWER IN LEŻAJSK

The tower was built around 1606 at the initiative of Feliks of Skaryszew. It is a six-storey structure with a square plan. During the town fire of 1834, the roof burned down along with the wooden gallery that surrounded the exterior of the top storey. The attraction was later rebuilt, giving the roof the shape of a domed helmet crowned with a lantern and a small dome topped with a cross.
In 1927, four bells from the famous Felczyński bell-founding workshop in Przemyśl were installed: St. Mary, Queen of the Polish Crown, St. Stanislaus, St. Casimir, and St. Andrew Bobola. The bells were consecrated by the Bishop of Przemyśl, Anatol Nowak, on October 9, 1927.

After revitalization carried out in 2019–2020, all storeys were opened to visitors. On the ground floor there is a Tourist Information Point run by the Municipal Cultural Center in Leżajsk, where you can learn about all the town’s attractions. The entire building can be visited with a guide, who will lead you through every nook of the tower and расскаunts the town’s history. In total, there are 123 steps to climb.

On the first floor there is a multimedia room where visitors can watch a film about the town’s history on three screens with special effects. Higher up, you can see photographs from 1959 showing the town panorama, taken from the top of this attraction in the San Valley. This level also features interactive information points about the town, its monuments, and the Jewish community. With a single hand gesture, successive screens display interesting facts about Leżajsk and the surrounding area. On the next floor are the four bells mentioned earlier. Looking up, you can admire the brick dome—the space is truly impressive. Reaching the top floor of the tower, it is worth stopping by one of the four automatically opening shutters to enjoy the beautiful view. Thanks to two panoramic telescopes, visitors can admire, among other sights, the San Valley as well as the Basilica and the Bernardine Fathers’ Monastery.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF LEŻAJSK

Leżajsk is an interesting destination in Poland for a one-day trip. This small, peaceful town offers several truly valuable and unique attractions. One of the most important is the Basilica of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most precious sacred monuments in Poland. Inside are famous, monumental 17th-century organs—a true European-scale rarity. Right next to the basilica is the Bernardine Fathers’ Monastery.
It is also worth noting that Leżajsk is a well-known pilgrimage center for Orthodox Jews, who come in large numbers to visit the grave of Tzadik Elimelech Weissblum. In the very center of town, another noteworthy attraction is the Museum of the Leżajsk Region. Its permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: historical, ethnographic and toy-making, and brewing. Located on the San River, Leżajsk is also a venue for the International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music.

WHAT TO SEE IN PODKARPACIE – THE SURROUNDINGS OF LEŻAJSK

Not far from the town, there is no shortage of other tourist attractions. Heading north along the San River, you can visit Rudnik nad Sanem, the Polish capital of wickerwork. Lovers of wooden architecture will appreciate the church in Krzeszów and the Orthodox church complex in Rudka. When visiting Leżajsk, it is also worth stopping in nearby Sieniawa to see the Czartoryski Palace. Many interesting attractions can also be found in the nearest larger cities, such as Jarosław, Rzeszów, and Łańcut.

Bernardine monastery and church

Palace of the Czartoryski family in Sieniawa

• Historical urban layout in Leżajsk

• Synagogue

• Lake in Ożanna

• Kołacznia nature reserve in Wola Zarczycka

Photo: Miasto Leżajsk