Wielkie Oczy

BEGINNINGS OF WIELKIE OCZY IN ROZTOCZE

The tourist attractions of Roztocze also include small, but extraordinary villages. The history of the one described begins in the 16th century, thanks to the founders – the Miękicki family. Little, however, is known about this period. What is certain is that later these lands passed from hand to hand among well-known families. The turn of the 17th and 18th centuries was particularly favorable for development. At that time, Andrzej Modrzewski was the owner. Under his initiative, a monastery was established, Dominicans were brought in, and the settlement gained town rights. Markets and fairs were allowed, and a bustling market square took the central place.

However, plagues and wars contributed to its downfall. During the battles, the town's central square was burned down, and the town hall disappeared from the cityscape forever. Even before World War II, Wielkie Oczy lost its town rights. Later, due to its remote location and depopulation, the village developed slowly.

SACRED ARCHITECTURE AS ATTRACTIONS OF ROZTOCZE

Wielkie Oczy once became home to adherents of three different religions. Though some residents are long gone, they have left their mark. Right next to each other stand a church, a synagogue, and a church. Three extraordinary buildings, each with different fates, are now united as tourist attractions of Roztocze.

The most unique is the St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church from 1924, with the only frame structure in Poland. Its walls are made of so-called "Prussian wall," which is another reason for its uniqueness. This type of wall was indeed used in our country, but in Silesia and Pomerania, and it was unknown in Roztocze. The attraction of Roztocze, located on the Wooden Architecture Route, is currently unused.

Synagogue in Wielkie Oczy, photo by Krystian Kłysewicz

Of the two existing synagogues, only one has survived. After the war, it served as a warehouse, and after renovation, it was adapted as the headquarters for a library. Its interiors also house a few memorabilia from the times when Jews still lived in Wielkie Oczy. A small exhibition is now one of the tourist attractions of Roztocze. It's worth noting that only 3 synagogues have survived in Roztocze! And one of them is right here.

 

The third sacred building is the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It was established along with the monastic buildings back in the 17th century. Inside, there is a 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, recognized as the first copy of the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa. When visiting the monument, it is worth taking a closer look at the outer walls. An artillery shell from World War I is embedded in them.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF ROZTOCZE IN WIELKIE OCZY

Among the interesting places in Roztocze located in Wielkie Oczy, it is also worth mentioning the old manor from the 17th century. This masonry building once served a defensive function. Fragments of fortifications have been preserved to this day. Currently, the manor serves as the Municipal Office. Previously, it housed a mill and a distillery, among other things.

The small square in the center of the village attests to the once-existing town. This is the area of the former town market, which today is adorned with green plantings. Where there was probably once a town hall, there now stands a monument dedicated to the victims of World War II.

For a short but extremely pleasant walk, you can take the walking alley. It is located between the church and the Home for the Elderly. In addition to vegetation, there are also elements of small architecture, such as benches, a gazebo, and a place for bicycles.

DISCOVER ROZTOCZE BY BIKE

Those interested in bicycle tourism can explore this part of the Subcarpathian region thanks to the Green Velo Trail. It runs, among others, through Wielkie Oczy, and next to the school, there is a Bicyclist Service Station. This allows you to discover many tourist attractions of Roztocze during cycling trips.

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PLACES WORTH SEEING NEARBY:

RELICS OF GREEK CATHOLIC TSERKOV COMPLEX IN OPAKA

TSERKOV COMPLEX IN SZCZUTKÓW

TSERKOV IN ŁUKAWIEC

CHURCH IN ŁUKAWIEC

TSERKOV IN WIELKIE OCZY

• The defensive manor from the 17th century

• The monastic complex with the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary from the 18th century

• Synagogue with a Memorial Room.

• Historic cemetery (17th/18th century)

• Greek Catholic Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Photo: Arch. PROT