Orthodox church in Stary Dzików \ Discover \ Orthodox church in Stary Dzików \ Podkarpackie travel

This monument gained its greatest popularity undoubtedly through its role in a film. Some of the set decorations have remained to this day and now constitute a significant tourist attraction in Roztocze

Orthodox church in Stary Dzików

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SACRED MONUMENT IN STARY DZIKÓW

The brick Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius was established in 1904. This date can be seen above the main entrance leading to the interior of this Roztocze attraction. It is adorned by a decorative portal, i.e., a doorframe, with a double pair of half-columns on either side. The church, built on a cross plan, represents the Neo-Byzantine style. The place where the arms intersect is adorned by a dome. The architecture of the exterior facade is also distinguished by decorative triforia, which are windows divided into three parts. The history of this Roztocze attraction is very similar to the fates of most Greek Catholic parishes in this area. Initially, the building served its adherents. However, the end of the parish's use was brought about by the resettlements of the Ukrainian population in 1950. From that point on, the church briefly served as a warehouse. Later, it was left unattended, which led to its rapid deterioration. Little of the monument's original equipment has survived. What did survive, such as a few icons, can now be seen in the Museum of the Borderlands in Lubaczów.

Near this tourist attraction of Roztocze, there is also a brick bell tower. Its upper part is adorned with three small towers, each covered with helmets. These contain large openings for bells, though unfortunately none remain today.

It's important to remember that the Church of St. Demetrius is not the only religious monument in this town. In the past, adherents of three different religions lived here. The ruins of a synagogue still remain to this day. The best-preserved building is the Roman Catholic church, which continues to function. All three religious attractions in Roztocze testify to the former multiculturalism.

EPISODE IN THE FILM AT THE OLD DZIKÓW CHURCH

The forgotten and unattended tourist attraction of Roztocze deteriorated after a long period of disuse, no longer resembling the same building it was when it served its function. Heavily damaged and stripped of its furnishings, it however drew attention. Andrzej Wajda, a renowned Polish film director, became interested in it. The Church of St. Demetrius in Stary Dzików was transformed into a film set for a while. Scenes from the famous Oscar-nominated film "Katyn" were shot here. The interior of the monument was portrayed as the monastery in Kozielsk, where Polish officers were detained. From that period, bunk beds used as part of the set decoration remain inside the church. Today, they are a Roztocze attraction that draws not only film fans but also tourists.

INTERESTING PLACES IN ROZTOCZE - SUGGESTED THEMATIC TRAIL

Stary Dzików lies on the King Jan III Sobieski Trail, which leads through places visited by the king during the relief of Vienna. The route passes through about 70 towns on the Polish-Ukrainian border. The entire trail spans 300 km and is divided into 11 sections. It has its own website, making it easy to find the tourist attractions of Roztocze included in this trail. More can be read at: www.sobieski.lubaczow.com.pl.

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