We start our trip in the picturesque Valley of the San and the Vistula rivers, where you will be carried away by the rushing current of delights and will drift away from everyday worries.
THE VALLEY OF THE SAN AND THE VISTULA RIVERS
We begin our expedition into the picturesque valley of the San and Vistula rivers, where you will let yourself be carried away by the rushing current of delight and escape your daily worries.
The Valley of the San and Vistula rivers is a real paradise for canoeists. Clear waters, interesting history, and green shores with so much more than lush nature - and so many interesting places and stories that are worth exploring.
It's a journey in 3 dimensions. Across, because you can see the places where history was made as you look around. Inside, as the waters of the river hide many secrets and amazing creatures, and upwards, where if you are lucky, you will see the soaring golden eagle and other unique representatives of the fauna.
So sit back and set off with us on a journey to the amazing land, where life and history take place to the rhythm of the lazy hum of the San and Vistula rivers.
Dubiecko Castle - the birthplace of Ignacy Krasicki
When discovering the San and Vistula rivers valley, you come across numerous architectural objects that are unique on a national and European scale. One of them is the Castle in Dubiecko - the birthplace of Ignacy Krasicki, the great poet and fairy tale author, and the place where the Christmas carol "God is Born" was created.
It is worth visiting these areas and taking a walk in the castle park, which dates back to the 18th century, where you can admire the linden trees, oaks, and American tulip trees. There are as many as 70 natural monuments in the park, including the 300-year-old Dewajtis oak.
Walking in nature stimulates the appetite. In case you get hungry, we encourage you to pay a visit to the castle restaurant and taste the wonderful court style cuisine. Presently, the castle houses a hotel, café, restaurant, and wine bar, as well as conference rooms.
The Castle and Park Complex in Krasiczyn
In the San and Vistula Valley, the architectural gems are at your fingertips. Another object of this type can be found in Krasiczyn. The castle and park complex will surprise you with its beauty and interesting history. Situated near the San crossing, the castle is one of the most impressive monuments of the Polish Renaissance. Exposed to numerous turbulences of history, the place has maintained an almost unchanged form, which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. At the first sight, visitors may notice the unique sgraffito decorations on both the interior and exterior walls of the castle. This decoration technique was known already in antiquity, and it gained the greatest popularity in the Renaissance. It is distinguished by two layers of plaster, which differ in colour, and a scraped-off top layer, matching the planned pattern. In Krasiczyn, we can admire two-colour sgraffito, breaking the heavy character of the walls and giving them lightness.
Presently, the castle houses, among other things, a hotel where you can feel like a real noble.
As you reveal all the secrets hidden in the chambers of the castle, head to the surrounding landscape park, which is one of the most beautiful objects of this type in Poland. There you can see the oaks and lindens that commemorate the birth of the children of the Sapieha family - one of the last owners of this place.
Przemyśl – what to see?
Przemyśl is a fortress city. The city was fortified due to its strategic location. The first fortifications were built in 1854 and were expanded until the outbreak of World War I. If you're going to the vicinity of Przemyśl, you will discover one of the largest fortresses in Europe, which was supposed to stop the Russian army. You will see the places where history was made.
As you get to know the history, head to the town, where you can find a unique old town with numerous sacred buildings. After satisfying the spirit, it's time for the body. Discover a different facet of history at the Museum of Bells and Pipes, feel like a ruler by visiting the castle, and learn more about this picturesque region at the National Museum of Przemyśl.
If you're still strong enough, try to climb the Tatar Mound, from where you can admire a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings ... and on a hot day, you will meet a few centimetres' long mantises.
Bolestraszyce Arboretum - the kingdom of fauna and flora
Don’t slow down and just go with the flow. There's a real kingdom of flora and fauna near Przemyśl. The Arboretum in Bolestraszyce delights with the richness of plants. Over 3,000 species can be found there. Remember to look not only at the plants but sometimes also look up. The arboretum is home to 40 species of birds. A visit to this unique garden is a great opportunity to hold a private nature lesson.
Walking around, pay attention to the forts of the Przemyśl Fortress and visit the Natural Museum and the Sensual Garden, and don't hesitate to touch the plants.
The towns of the San River Valley
A trip across the Valley of the San and Vistula rivers is a great opportunity to combine contemplation of nature and getting to know places of cultural heritage. The latter include the towns full of interesting monuments and nooks hiding interesting stories.
In Jarosław, make sure to stay a bit longer in the old town to admire the unique town hall and the Orsetti tenement house - a gem among late Renaissance tenement houses in Poland. Don't miss the Corpus Christi collegiate church, with its history dating back to the 16th century.
Equally stunning attractions can be seen when visiting Przeworsk. Take a look at the old town, including the market square with the town hall, the Basilica of the Holy Spirit with the Monastery of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Fire Service Museum, which is located in the palace and park complex.
However, this is not the end of this urban trip. We also recommend Leżajsk, where history is intertwined with the Jewish religion. When you’re in town, make sure to see the Jewish cemetery with the grave of Tzadik Elimelech - one of the most prominent representatives of Hasidism, which is a pilgrimage destination for thousands of pious Jews. Pay attention to the town hall and tenement houses in the market square and the monastery complex of the Bernardines.
Central Industrial District - on the trail of emerging modernism
If you visit the San and the Vistula rivers valley for the first time, it may seem paradoxical to you that the Central Industrial District is located among the enclave of nature. The Central Industrial District built in the period 1936-1939 had a lasting impact on the development of the Podkarpackie Province, and its traces are still visible nowadays.
The route of the Central Industrial District, which is partly located in the San Valley, is a tribute to this pioneering undertaking. It is packed with factory and residential buildings, inviting to learn about their industrial history, and which inspired modernist architecture. Many such facilities can be found, e.g., in Stalowa Wola, with its housing estate of the former clerical colony, the housing estate of the former director's colony, or the exhibition "Central Industrial District for the Future".
These are certainly not all places worth seeing when visiting the San and Vistula Rivers Valley. Make sure to plan your trip in advance and don't miss any of the unique attractions of the region. Other must-see landmarks include:
Our journey across the San and Vistula Rivers Valley is coming to an end ... or maybe it's just beginning. Follow your travel passion and plan today what your adventure in one of the most beautiful regions of Poland will look like.
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