Rzeszów 2016

Acrobatics in the sky PODKARPACKIE during the Podkarpackie Air Show. (MM) – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

The Region of Podkarpackie – a gateway to the European Union, land comprises an area of 18,000 km2 and has a population of over of modern economy, unpolluted natural environment, wealth of cul- 2 million. Its neighbours include Slovakia in the south, and Ukraine in ture, and... opportunities. Here, innovative technologies of aerospace, the east - across the external border of the European Union. This is also information and automotive industries come side by side with active the cross-roads for the trading routes of Central Europe. The motorway leisure, mountain adventures, multiculturalism and creativity. Interna- linking Western and Eastern Europe, Via Carpathia designed to con- tional airport, EU border crossings, East-West motorway, areas desig- nect North and South in the future, as well as the modern airport with nated for investments and resources of well-educated young people international passenger and cargo terminals are the reason why are the reasons why global companies bring their business here. And operations of numerous manufacturing, trading and logistics compa- after work? Anything goes! From the atmosphere of urban cafeterias, nies are located here. The region’s capital with a population of nearly pubs, theatres, and concerts, to recreation activities on the ground, on 200,000, Rzeszów is a vibrant, youthful and modern city, one of the the water and in the air, amidst wildlife, Carpathian landscapes, and most rapidly growing urban agglomerations in Poland. This is also home legends of the Bieszczady and Beskid Niski. On top of that, one can to the Aviation Valley. Aerospace, information, and automotive industry absorb the culture, architecture and art of the borderland, and find time as well as quality of life are four smart specializations of the Podkar- and place for leisure, creativity and taking bird’s eye view of the hectic packie. Clean, ecological farming, healthy traditional food, and a wealth world, from above. of natural and cultural assets as well as tourist attractions contribute to Located in the south-east of Poland, the Podkarpackie Region the fact that Podkarpackie is an excellent place to live at.

The Bieszczady Mountains. View from Mount Połonina Wetlińska towards Połonina Caryńska. (KZ)

3 PODKARPACKIE

– SPACE AND TIME FOR LEISURE

Lake Solina. (KZ)

You are invited for an unusual tour of the Podkarpackie. You will learn Wildlife can be admired in two national parks: Bieszczady and about the most beautiful corners of the Region and the multitude of Magura. There are also 10 landscape reserves, 13 areas of protected leisure-time options; you will find out where you can get the taste landscape, 94 nature reserves and thousands of natural monuments. of delicious traditional cuisine. First we will take a plunge into the This is a region of Poland with the least polluted environment. wilderness of the Bieszczady, follow the trails in the Low Beskids Majority of farms here grow healthy, organic crops and local food and discover the magic of the Roztocze Highland. We will cruise Lake producers are leaders in the number of the registered regional Solina and explore the Region’s most impressive landmarks. products. Local wines are also worth tasting. We will tell you about a range of options in store for those who decide Here you will meet friendly people whose openness results from the to spend some time in Podkarpackie. Enthusiasts of active recreation centuries of harmonious co-existence of many cultures. will have a good time here throughout the year. Hiking along the Podkarpackie is an excellent choice for those who want to take mountain trails, horse-riding tours, bike trips, sailing or gliding – all a break from hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to places of these options are at the reach of your hand. And in winter? In the natural beauty, where the time slows down. Here you can forget region there are about 30 ski lifts, and dozens of routes for cross-coun- about troubles, put things in the right perspective, and even redefine try skiing and ski touring. And if you prefer vacation in quiet places, your life. to relax, chill out, recharge your batteries, and revive your health and beauty, we can recommend our holiday resorts with a wide range of wellness and spa treatments. For all those who, in addition to its historical landmarks, want to ex- plore the region itself, Podkarpackie is a “green paradise”. Indeed, Mountain grasslands seen from the saddle. (TP) this is a unique place in Europe, in terms of the varied landscapes and the wealth of flora and fauna. This is where visitors will see rel- ics of Sandomierz and Carpathian primeval forests, a rarity elsewhere. (JW)

5 MYSTICAL LAND OF FREEDOM

The Bieszczady Mountains are the most recognizable area of the Pod- Extending from the Tylicka Pass to the Łupków Pass, there is the wid- karpackie Region. Shrouded in legends, for years they have attracted est and at the same time the lowest range of the Beskids aptly named tourists from all over Poland. Those seeking tranquillity more and the Low Beskids, with gentle slopes and dense forests. The uniqueness more often choose the enchanting landscapes of the Low Beskids and of this area, is linked with the exceptional wealth of its natural environ- Eastern Roztocze Highland. ment with an incredible number and diversity of species of flora and The Bieszczady Mountains are a part of the Eastern Carpathians, they fauna. Only here can one encounter such inaccessible places and real stretch on the borderland between Poland and Ukraine. The Polish wilderness, resembling genuine primeval forests. Indeed, here you can part from the west closes with the Łupków Pass, in the east with the wander for hours without meeting a single person, and the only compa- Uzsok Pass, in the north the mountains reach Lesko and Ustrzyki Dolne. ny comes in the form of wolf’s eyes, or brown fur of a bear.

6 The Bieszczady Mountains, Mount Połonina Wetlińska.. (TO) The Low Beskids. (WC) The Bieszczady Mountains, Mount Połonina Caryńska. (KZ)

The Eastern Roztocze Highland is partly located within Podkarpackie, Hiking trips along the Sub-Carpathian trails leave enduring memories. and more specifically in the District of Lubaczów. This area is gaining Echoes of these can be encountered in innumerable poems and songs popularity among those who want to avoid hordes of tourists. What recalling “the Land of Placidity”. The appeal of the Bieszczady also does Roztocze hold in store? First of all it amazes with its wildlife, and lies in stories created by generations of travellers, legends of the beautiful landscapes dotted with absolute treasures of wooden archi- enchanted and secret places, and tales about the sense of endless tecture, such as the tserkovs in Radruż and Gorajec. Those interested freedom. in history can follow the trail of bunkers along the Molotov Line, relics In Podkarpackie, the mountain trails lead through areas which en- of the unusual events which once took place in this region. Famous chant enthusiasts of walking tours not only with unforgettable views people linked with Roztocze include St. Brother Albert and King John from mountain grasslands and summits, but also with the abundance III Sobieski. of flora and fauna. The natural environment of the Bieszczady, the Low Beskids and Those into more intense sensations, venturing into the natural beech Roztocze is a magical world, combining wildness with harmony, it is forest, can encounter a wisent, lynx, or even a bear. Yet, the Bieszcza- a world of fascinating impressions, and at the same time a peaceful dy Mountains are not only home to big predators; this is also natural and quiet area. Each tourist will find here the emotions they dream of. habitat for a large variety of birds. This is a rich world of colourful

Mount Tarnica, the tallest summit in the Polish part of the Bieszczady (1346 metres) (KZ) Water cascades on River Tanew, Eastern Roztocze Highland. (TMi)

7 Red deer. (MS) Lynx - Symbol of the Bieszczady National Park (CĆ)

insects, rare species of amphibians, and obviously variety of moss- es, lichens and flowering plants. The primeval environment of the Bieszczady is a perfect place for exploring nature and for tracking animals or bird watching. The unique value of the Bieszczady flora and fauna can be seen in the fact that here one can even encounter subtropical species, such as flycatchers, as well as the Aesculapian snake, native only to this part of Europe.

In the Region there are over 90 hiking trails, in total exceeding the length of 2,800 km. Outlined in the Podkarpackie, the trails traverse the mountains, the foothills, and the lowlands. Because of their scenic qualities, the trails located in the Bieszczady and the Low Beskids are most popular. However, the routes of the Przemyśl Foothills, Słonne Mountains and Roztocze can also be recommended as they lead to landmarks of material culture, and places of historical importance. Aesculapian snake. (KZ) Wisent in Muczne Wisent Enclosure. (MB) Lesser-spotted eagle. (CĆ)

8 Dahany, Eastern Roztocze. (TM)

The Low Beskids. (PC)

9 FOLLOWING THE GREEN VELO TRAIL AND MORE

Do you travel on two wheels? Feel invited! Diversified landscape are greeted by the town of Narol featuring the Palace of the Łoś of Podkarpackie is perfect for various kinds of cycling tourism: road family and then by Horyniec Zdrój spa resort, beyond which the finest cycling, mountain biking or family rides. All together there are over attractions of the area await: the unique wooden tserkovs in Radruż 3,000 kilometres of bike trails in the region. and Chotyniec, both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. Once you The most popular is the Green Velo Eastern Cycle Trail. The route pass by the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce you enter Przemyśl, a town leading through the entire Eastern Poland, is over 450 kilometres with one thousand year long history, churches of various denomina- long in Podkarpackie. It starts in the Roztocze Highland where bikers tions, historical town square, unique museums, Casimir Castle and the

10 Palace of the Poniński family in Horyniec Zdrój. (KP) The Dynowskie Foothills. (KP) Bikers in front of an information board. (KP)

Fortress Bike Trail. Further on, the route leads by the Renaissance From Green Velo you can travel along hundreds of kilometres of other Castle in Krasiczyn towards the Valley of River San through the bike trails. On your way towards the Bieszczady you can follow Green Carpathian Foothills. Once you reach Rzeszów, it is worth turning Bicycle - Eastern Carpathian Greenway. Many bikers also follow the your attention to the Town Square with the stylish Town Hall and Good Soldier Svejk and visit the trail of Bunkers along the San. In the the Underground Tourist Route. If you turn towards Łańcut, you Low Beskids there are picturesque bike routes called the Valley of must visit the castle there. Then you pass by Leżajsk, attracting with Wisłok , Ethnographic Trail and Spa-Resorts Route. Around many cities the view of Bernardine Basilica famous for its pipe organs, and you and towns there are numerous scenic routes and bike paths leading reach places known for local traditions: Rudnik upon San, known for to major landmarks. basketry and Ulanów, Polish capital of barging. Along the route, there If you like to feel breeze in your hair, the scents of forests and fields are roofed stops as well as farms, guesthouses, inns and restaurants, and the freedom of two-wheeled journey you are invited to Podkar- approved by Green Velo, and waiting for bikers. packie, land of opportunities. Land for cycling.

Tserkov in Piątkowa. (KP) Lake Solina. (TR)

11 PODKARPACKIE SEEN FROM THE SADDLE

Podkarpackie is a dream place for equestrian tourism – wide open On horseback you can take a ride for just a few hours or a tour lasting spaces, vast forests, varied terrain, and a multitude of equestrian cen- for many days. Saddle horses will take you to places which are hardly tres and horse-riding trails. What is more… we have our own legend accessible for quads, off-road vehicles or even on foot. What is more, of cowboys from the Bieszczady: Jędrek “Połonina” Wasielewski, Lutek horse is an environment-friendly means of transport – it does not make Pińczuk, Ryszard “Prezes” Krzeszewski and Adam “Rudy” Rymarowicz. noise or damage roads, and it is powered by “natural fuel”. For many Because of all this, a tour of our region with a view from the saddle – is city dwellers, a little bit of time in the company of this wise and strong an unforgettable experience. animal is an opportunity to retreat from their hectic lives in a large

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(JR) Equestrian tourism in the Bieszczady. (JR) Man and horse - friendship and trust. (TP)

agglomeration. The obvious barrier results from the fact that eques- Park can be brought into the Park only if an adequate permit has been trian tourism requires at least rudimentary riding skills, yet more and obtained. Here tourists can also take rides in horse-drawn carts. more people come here to acquire them. Those with less experience The uniquely picturesque sights here include western-style cattle can travel, e.g. in a wagon during horse riding tours. drives organized in the Low Beskids, herds of Hucul ponies in mead- Predominantly used in equestrian tourism in Podkarpackie, Małopolska ows of the Bieszczady and winter-time sleigh rides. A truly spectacular horses are known for high endurance and good temper, they can cope event is the Horse Fair in Lutowiska, attended by aficionados from all with any type of terrain and with their build are suitable even for tall, over the Bieszczady. Equestrian centres operate also throughout the stalwart riders. In the Low Beskids and Bieszczady there are places Carpathian Foothills, and even in the north of the region. In many places which specialize in breeding Hucul horses – old, wild breed particularly you can see cavalry shows, historical re-enactments, show jumping and suitable for hippotherapy, and for use by children and beginning horse “Hucul path” competitions, and in Łańcut – one of the world’s largest riders. Horses other than those owned by the Bieszczady National aristocratic coach houses.

Historical Parade in Krempna. (KZ) Coach House in the Castle Museum in Łańcut. (KZ)

13 WHITE SAILS AND THE SEA OF THE BIESZCZADY

For tourists the Bieszczady do not only mean the world of forests, The picturesque surface of the lake goes with the irregular shoreline mountain grasslands, wilderness, and tireless wandering, but also which takes the form of numerous quaint little bays, cutting deep into white sails, kayaks and recreation by the water. Once generally the forests, and producing the unique romantic atmosphere of the place. unattractive for tourists, after the construction of the Solina Dam in the 1960s, this foothill area gradually transformed into a particularly Lake Solina is a perfect place for those into water sports; here you charming place. Lake Solina amazes with its changing landscapes and can bathe, take a leisurely trip along the shore in a kayak or a paddle rare scenic beauty. Surrounded by steep hills, the lake with its calm boat, or learn the difficult, but beautiful art of sailing. No other body water is a mirror for the blue sky and the mysterious forests around. of water in Poland is as demanding and as rewarding for sailors.

14 Lake Solina. (KZ) Regatta. (KZ)

On the other hand, those who decide to take a break during their boat trip can enjoy tranquillity of the sheltered bays and areas hardly accessible by land.

The largest sailing centres include Polańczyk and Solina with numer- ous harbours, sailors’ clubs and beaches with marked bathing places. Here holiday-makers can rent various kinds of water equipment. Not only sailors can check their skills here, but also canoeists, rowers, windsurfers and divers.

Another popular centre for water sports in the Bieszczady, besides Lake Solina, is a somewhat smaller, yet equally beautifully located, lake by the dam in Myczkowce.

Dawn on the shore of Lake Solina. (KZ)

Tour boat on the sea of the Bieszczady. (KZ) Dam in Solina. (TR)

15 WINTER-TIME PODKARPACKIE!

Winter in Podkarpackie is an amazing time with the Bieszczady and and Laworta, with chairlift and an opportunity to participate in Alpine Low Beskids all dressed in white, and the Carpathian Forest looking skiing competitions. You will also “get a chairlift” to the top of Mount like a land from fairy tales. And for those into active recreation –skiing, Kiczera in the Low Beskids. Along with T-bar lifts and snowpark, snowboarding, sleigh rides, skating, sled dog racing... anything goes! it comprises a system of three-kilometre long downhill routes and Ski freaks can choose from about 30 ski-lifts throughout the region. four-kilometre long cross-country trails. Scenic chairlift rides can also There you can have fun in safety and for affordable prices, avoiding be taken in Przemyśl. Here winter-time recreation can be combined crowded holiday resorts. Recognized as “wintertime capital of the with visit to the beautiful town on River San, with lots of multicultural Bieszczady”, Ustrzyki Dolne has two recreation centres, Gromadzyń landmarks, and quaint little streets.

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Ski-touring route in the Bieszczady. (TR) Dog sled. (TR) Snowgliding - combination of skiing and paragliding. (AB)

Another place worth visiting, Arłamów has one of Europe’s most mod- an indoors skating rink operating throughout the year, and a track for ern and largest hotel and recreation centres. Two ski-lifts and three speed skating. gentle downhill routes make it an excellent winter-time place for Mountain forests are an excellent place for cross-country skiing and a family weekend in luxury. Family atmosphere can also be enjoyed ski-touring. Dozens of trails have been delineated in the Bieszczady in recreation centres in Weremień and Kalnica in the Bieszczady, alone. Nordic skis can be used to get to the foot of Mount Tarnica or in Chyrowa near Dukla, and in Łętownia in the Carpathian Foot- to Połonina Wetlińska, and cross-country skis can used in areas near hills. Most slopes are illuminated, provided with artificial snow and Stuposiany, Wetlina and Ustrzyki Dolne, which witnessed the first groomed; there are rental places, equipment maintenance services victories of Justyna Kowalczyk. In many places you can rent snow- and schools of skiing and snowboarding. shoes for hiking trips, take part in sleigh rides or exciting snowmobile Those into ski jumping should visit Zagórz in the Bieszczady where tours. Also organized in winter, sled dog races give you a whiff of they can enjoy time in a complex of ski jumping hills known as the Alaska. Adrenaline junkies can try snowgliding, a combination of para- first training site of some members of the Polish national team. The gliding and skiing. Real “snow extravaganza”... nearby town of Sanok, the best place for skating in Podkarpackie, has

Hiking in winter. (MSt) Ski slope in Przemyśl. (DH)

17 ADRENALINE ZONE

Panoramas seen from a bird’s-eye view elicit emotions that have previ- are seven aero clubs offering tours by plane, or ultra-light trike and ously been unknown to us. A sense of unlimited space and sky-high free- paraglider flights, as well as parachuting and gliding courses. dom “gives you wings”. Air travel does not only mean adrenaline rush, Wonderful terrain, good technical facilities, as well as professional it is also an opportunity to see what has previously been inaccessible. training personnel will enable those fond of air tours to enjoy their A look towards the hills of the Bieszczady from this perspective favourite form of relaxation. The glider landing site in Bezmiechowa, brings to mind a fragment of Vladimir Vysotsky’s song saying that recognized as the cradle of Polish gliding, has become part of the more beautiful than mountains can only be other mountains... aviation traditions of the region. The place is known for wave-like and In the Podkarpackie Region it is possible to experience such adven- ascending air currents, rarely encountered elsewhere. These enable tures as flying a plane, gliding or paragliding. In the region there fast ascent and long-lasting flights. The uniqueness of air turbulences

18 Gliding over Bezmiechowa. (AB) Mountain Balloon Competition in Krosno. (ŁJ) Bike Town in Przemyśl. (AMW)

in this region is for instance reflected by an event from 1938 when water, starting fires without matches, or simply - the art of survival. a glider flown by Tadeusz Góra covered a distance of over 577 km. Trips of this kind most of all test tourists’ endurance. Starting from Bezmiechowa, the pilot flew as far as the outskirts of Enthusiasts of water tourism will definitely enjoy water trails leading Vilnius, setting a record which for years remained unbeaten. through the areas of the Przemyśl and Strzyżów Foothills. The most Adrenaline rush can also be experienced by those watching popular routes follow the lovely river valleys of the San and Osława. Podkarpackie Air Shows which are regularly organized in the region. The “Błękitny San” water trail is particularly noteworthy as it can be Those into aviation can also watch Mountain Balloon Competitions covered in a canoe, pontoon or a raft. The amazing river bends and in Krosno. On the latter occasion the sky in the area for a few days ravines, as well as the highland and lowland sections with varied remains concealed behind a plethora of colourful balloons. degree of difficulty attract more and more canoeists. Boating trips Tourists seeking strong emotions and adventures can also spend can also lead through the Słonne Mountains Landscape Reserve. their time driving quads, off-road vehicles and amphibious vehicles. The rivers of the Podkarpackie with their scenic beauty and rapid Abseiling and crossing precipices or rushing rivers over a so-called “Pan- current, are as attractive as the popular Dunajec river. So, it may ama bridge” is also quite popular. Amateurs of climbing can test their be a good idea to check whether you can travel the rapid and foam- abilities in rocky areas of Podkarpackie. Great adventures are also guar- ing rivers of the Podkarpackie in a canoe without capsizing in the anteed by trapper-style tourism - sleeping outdoors, washing in cold cool water.

Climbing. (MB) Dinghy cruising down the San. (PW)

19 PODKARPACKIE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Amidst this hectic world, we all more and more often look for some properties of spring waters from Iwonicz were known all over the time off, and a place where we can chill out, restore our strength, country a few hundred years ago, and appreciated by renowned royal health and beauty, and recharge our batteries. It is not surprising, physicians, for instance taking care of Queen Marie Casimire Sobieska, then, that spa-health resorts as well as wellness & spa centres enjoy King Vladislaus IV Vasa, King of France Louis XIV. During its heyday growing popularity. The Podkarpackie Region, with its unpolluted air in the latter half of the 1800s, Iwonicz Zdrój was visited by and environment, friendly climate and ample resources of healing wa- Polish people and guests from Austria, Hungary, Russia and Bohemia. ters is, indeed, perfect for this kind of recreation. The small town has retained the unique looks of a spa resort, with Even in the previous centuries our ancestors recognized the curative the classicist and Art Nouveau sanatorium buildings which today rank assets of Iwonicz, Rymanów and Horyniec Spa Resorts. The healing among the architectural jewels of the region. Despite the damage

20 Horyniec Zdrój, Spa-Resort Park Iwonicz Zdrój, former Bazar hotel. (KZ) Inside the Pump Room in Iwonicz. (KZ) and Pump Room. (MB)

of war, Iwonicz known as “prince of iodine waters” is a constantly known as a health resort for children, but today the offer is designed growing holiday resort, expanding options on offer for guests and for guests of all ages. recognized with numerous awards. Located in the southern part of Roztocze, Horyniec Zdrój is also known for its historical traditions as a health resort. It is believed that, before The career of the nearby Rymanów started in the late 19th century. he became the King of Poland, John III Sobieski used to come hunting In 1877 health promoting properties of local mineral waters were here and he would take bath in the local mineral water whose healing confirmed in a laboratory in Vienna. After that sanatorium buildings properties had been known earlier. Towards the end of the 1800s and spa houses started popping up like mushrooms. Frequented by a baths complex was established here, and the first guests started members of princely families, artists, writers, the place used to be coming to Horyniec. Today the resources of Horyniec Zdrój include a vibrant centre of social and cultural life. Today, Rymanów is famous 14 mineral water springs and fine quality therapeutic mud. It is the not only for its stylish architecture, but also for three mineral water unique healing effects of the latter that mainly attract individuals suf- springs, Tytus, Celestyna and Klaudia, named after three members of fering from rheumatic diseases, joint injuries and other musculoskel- the family formerly owning the spa resort. It was once particularly etal disorders, who come here from all over Poland and from abroad.

Pump Room in Rymanów Zdrój. (MB) Inside the Pump Room in Rymanów. (MB)

21 Arłamów Hotel **** (MB) Arłamów Hotel **** (MB)

The group of spa resorts was in contemporary times joined by Polańczyk where, in addition to benefitting from the local healing waters as well as numerous treatments and therapies, visitors can relax in the vicinity Lake Solina, Poland’s largest artificial lake, and enjoy a whole range of tourist attractions on offer in the Bieszczady. So it is not surprising that the tune about “the green hills along Solina” stays in guests’ memory for a long time.

We can also restore our strength, health and beauty in other places than spa resorts. Wellness & Spa zones are on offer at nearly every premium class hotel, and in the Podkarpackie there are several four and five-star hotels. Here, in addition to top quality treatments, guests can enjoy re- laxation in luxury and excellent cuisine - something for the body, some- thing for the soul and something for the palate...

Bristol Hotel ***** (MMi)

22 Grand Hotel **** (MMi)

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel **** (MB)

23 TRAVEL AND EAT – ENJOY THE FLAVOURS OF PODKARPACKIE

Our Region has a lot of other attractions, besides the wooden churches, cuisine and the flavour of game dishes? Are there any culinary travel- splendid palaces, wilderness of the Bieszczady and Low Beskids, and lers who will not enjoy a bowlful of simple, yet delicious food based the unstained natural environment of the Roztocze Highland. Is it not on traditional recipes of the Bojko or Lemko peoples? And what joy true that, for food lovers, a visit to Renaissance and Baroque palac- will it be for those into healthy foods to savour a slice of spelt bread es will be even more appealing if they can get the taste of old Polish with honeydew honey, both produced locally in this unpolluted envi-

24 (LS) Nearly 160 vineyards in the region go hand in hand with the growing popularity of enotourism in Podkarpackie. (WS)

ronment? Travel and Eat – this simple motto is an encouragement to try makers. Travelling is an occasion to take a bite of something new, or to the culinary delights on offer in the taverns, inns, joints and roadhouses go back to flavours which we once found delightful. in the Foothill regions, the Kolbuszowa Lowlands and Eastern Roztocze. The Region is a place of dynamically growing enotourism. Nearly 160 Today the itinerary does not only depend on prices but also on the vineyards, comprising an area of 150 hectares, were established by quality, variety and authenticity of experiences on offer. Night in an people who started as hobbyists, and only later became professional unusual place, exciting adventures, and – quite often – stunning dishes wine makers. Dozens of those vineyards are open to visitors, who can determine whether or not travellers see their vacation as a success. taste red, pink and white wines marked with the sign of “Podkarpackie”. The changing motivations for travelling and the desire for unusual and unique experiences result in a demand for novel tourist products. Journeys “in search of flavours” are a special form of tourism, which Visitors are not only interested in how much they have to pay, but also is more and more popular worldwide. Regional dishes, drinks and spe- where and what they can eat. Traditional cuisine, being part of our re- cialties are no longer simply a delicious extra to the travelling experi- gion’s history, is an important aspect from the viewpoint of holiday- ences, but instead they may be the real purpose of the trip. Original

Fuczki - dish made of pancake batter Organic bread. (KZ) Varieties of honey from Podkarpackie satisfy the most refined tastes. (KZ) mixed with shredded sauerkraut (TP)

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(KZ) Our region is known for excellent processed meats and for dumplings. (KZ)

and interesting cuisine frequently is the determining factor in choos- krupiak, kruszon, hreczanyki, fuczki, łewesz, małdrzyki and stolniki ing the destination. Expert globetrotters can be attracted to this which constitute the foundation of our culinary traditions. Region by the centuries-old tradition of simple dishes served in small and cosy taverns, inns and joints. We can also invite them for meals It is a good idea to follow the Podkarpackie Culinary Trail which pro- served by local people in agri-tourist farms; these are made by house- motes our regional cuisine. It leads to places which offer ethnic wives, from local products, following the recipes left by their mothers dishes of the Lemko, Bojko, Pogórzanie and Lasowiacy peoples, as well and grandmothers. By exploring their cooking traditions one can get as old-nobility style delicacies once served in aristocratic mansions better understanding of the local populations and their lifestyles. and palaces, or meals based on traditional recipes of Armenian, Tartar, Contemporary cuisine of Podkarpackie eagerly draws on old recipes, Jewish, German and Ukrainian people who, for centuries, have been showing that the coexistence of numerous nations and ethnic groups part of the history of this land. has produced interesting mixture of flavours. You are invited to explore the region’s culinary traditions which have Here on the menu you will find such exotic names as proziaki, and will always continue to inspire new generations of cooks and chefs. amoniaczki, chrupaczki, dereń kiszony, futomski bulwiok, knysze,

Hreczanyki - a traditional dish of Bojko and Lemko cuisine. (TP) Wilcza Jama Tavern in Smolnik attracts those fond of fine game dishes. (MB)

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Proziaki rolls – traditional baked goods from Podkarpackie (TP)

Restaurant in the Dubiecko Castle specializes in old-Polish cuisine. (KZ)

27 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN PODKARPACKIE

Rail-Cycle Draisine in the Bieszczady tions in the Bieszczady. Confirming this, Certificate for the best tourist Those seeking exciting adventures are invited for an unusual journey product of year 2015 was awarded by the Polish Tourist Organization. following one of the most beautiful railway lines in Poland. The charms Was it justified? You must see for yourself! of the over 140-year-old track no. 108, leading to magical corners of the Bieszczady, can be experienced during a trip by draisines which, Bieszczady Forest Train just like bikes are powered, with the strength of muscles. The project, in “Old choo choo train is rushing along the winding way. Greetings say Polish called Bieszczadzkie Drezyny Rowerowe, operates a rental place, the noisy stream, wood and bay…” the words of this scout song describe the largest in the country and designed in a stylish manner. It has rapid- the journey by the old steam train through the areas of the Ciśniańs- ly gained thousands of fans and has become one of the greatest attrac- ko–Wetliński Landscape Reserve. The narrow-gauge railway is one of

28 the most popular attractions of the Bieszczady today. During summer holidays the train runs from Wola Michowa to the Przysłup mountain pass. From here you can admire mountain grasslands, the range along the border and the protected areas of the Bieszczady National Park. One cannot forget however that the passengers are in danger. Chris’s Gang may attack at any time. Wearing cowboy outfits and carrying rifles, the rascals on horses rob and scare away the tourists (at request).

Underneath Lake Solina The dam on Lake Solina is one of the most distinctive features of Podkarpackie. The promenade along the top of the dam offers excel- lent view of the nearby areas so it is extremely popular with tour- ists. Yet, not everyone knows that this huge dam can also be visited inside. During the tour of the largest Polish hydro power plant in Solina Miniatures in the Centre for Ecumenical Culture in Myczkowce. (KZ) you will take a guided walk along passageways inside the dam, you will see a film and a presentation on renewable energy sources. The passageways at times descend to a level 5 meters below the bottom of the lake. Yet, the most interesting point of the tour is the possibility to see a specially designed connecting structure in the form of a triangle concrete protrusion, stretching as far as the top of the dam, in which you can see the water in the lake.

Centre for Ecumenical Culture The religious heritage of the borderland can be explored during a visit to the Centre for Ecumenical Culture in Myczkowce near Solina. A walk around the park, comprising an area of nearly one hectare, with care- fully recreated miniature models of wooden structures of Greek-Cath- olic and Orthodox tserkovs as well as Roman-Catholic churches from south-eastern Poland and from Slovakia and Ukraine, allows a glimpse at the wealth of culture and history of this region. The impressions are magnified by old religious music playing in the background. Inside the Solina Dam in Solina. (PGE)

Rail-Cycle Draisine in the Bieszczady. (AD) Bieszczady Forest Train. (KZ)

29 Arboretum in Bolestraszyce. (WS) Kresowa Osada - Borderland Settlement in Basznia Dolna. (MB)

Arboretum in Bolestraszyce in Galicia; the most notable gardens where those in Sieniawa and One of the valuable landmarks of nature and culture in Podkarpackie, Pełkinie, Zarzecze, Dubiecko and Medyka, former nests of grand located north-east of Przemyśl, is the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce, aristocratic families. where in the area of 28.2 hectares, history meets with modern times. The historical establishment, comprising a park and a manor house, Kresowa Osada – Borderland Settlement in the mid-1800s was home to the renowned painter, Piotr Micha- Those fond of history, traditional food and active tourism should vis- łowski. Ancient trees from old mansion gardens look picturesque it the thematic village which refers to cultural diversity of Kresy, the among younger trees, which include species native to Poland and historical borderland of the Republic of Poland before WWII. Kresowa those brought from abroad, as well as shrubs and rare, endangered or Osada in Basznia Dolna comprises a few thematic areas. Waiting for protected plants. Visitors can admire over 3,500 trees, shrubs, ever- those interested in traditional Galician cuisine there is a stylish rural greens and greenhouse plants. There are over 100 species of apple tavern where during major outdoor events guests can get the taste and pear trees; there are also Cornelian cherries, lime trees, chest- of Kresy-style food. The Gallery of Local History presents a multime- nuts and yews. The place is famous for its collection of azaleas. dia exposition related to campaigns led by Hetman Sobieski against The Arboretum is a reference to the old landscaping traditions Tartars; there is also a virtual dressing room where you can try on

(KZ) Glass Heritage Centre in Krosno. (KZ)

30 historical clothes. Here you can admire artefacts related to the histo- ry of crystal glass factory formerly operating in the nearby village of Huta Kryształowa (literally Crystal-Works). In an old croft, featuring original furnishings, you can try your hand at traditional bread baking. Those interested in handicrafts can learn about blacksmithing, pottery, carpentry and glass making during workshops organized here.

Glass Heritage Centre Glass works of art from Krosno ornament e.g. courts of Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos, and the Emperor of Japan. World-famous glass items manufactured in Krosno can be explored in the Glass Heritage Centre. On display here you will find artistic glass, works of the finest Polish artists, as well as household glass. During a tour Underground Tourist Route in Rzeszów. (MB) of this interactive exposition you can participate in presentations of glass production and decoration processes.

Town Square and Underground Tourist Route in Rzeszów Located within the old part of Rzeszów, the Town Square with century. These and other relics can be seen along the 369-metre long the Town Hall and a 17th century water well, today has a slightly Underground Tourist Route below the Town Square. It leads to 25 different layout than the original 15th century Square. Only three cellars and 15 corridors, going down to the level of 10 metres below of its sides are lined with townhouses which, over the ages, were sub- the surface; their names refer to their former purpose and to the jected to numerous alterations. At present they hold hotels, restau- town’s history. During the tour you will see relics of medieval walls, rants, clubs, pubs, museums and other institutions. In the summer the traces of fire, remnants of iron bars and hinges, secret passages, and stage in front of the Town Hall hosts performances of well-known more. The lower floors were once used as cold storage of goods, singers, bands as well as song and dance ensembles. One of the and during Tartar invasions and wars the cellars provided shelter highlights here is house no. 19. Fragments of brick and stone walls for residents of the town. and ceilings as well as Gothic ogival arches, discovered underneath the building, suggest the house dates from the late 15th/early 16th

Town Square in Rzeszów. (MB)

31 THE HERITAGE OF PODKARPACKIE

Castle in Krasiczyn. (WS)

Podkarpackie is a land of rich and multicultural heritage. It was a The region was not bypassed by wars. Many of the castles, churches, sensation in Poland and around the world when graves of Przeworsk and monasteries were designed as defensive structures. In the mid- Culture were discovered. The most recognisable symbol of archaeol- 1800s, works were initiated to build the Przemyśl Fortress, the third ogists’ achievements is the Bronze Age settlement in Trzcinica near largest defensive structure in Europe. It consisted of terrestrial forti- Jasło, known as Carpathian Troy. Today, partly reconstructed, it is open fication, bulwarks and artillery stands. Scattered across Podkarpack- to visitors. In the same breath we should mention the hill of Horo- ie, there are cemeteries of soldiers killed during both world wars, as dyszcze in Trepcza near Sanok, famous around the world for the dis- well as obelisks and monuments commemorating those horrific times. covery of pure gold encolpions with pieces of meteorite. You might also want to visit the place where the Nazis worked on the Found across the region, the Wooden Architecture Route leads to V-1 and V-2 rockets, in the village of Blizna near Dębica, as well as the churches, the oldest of which summoned the faithful to prayer in the nearby labour camp in Pustków. 1400s. Inside one can contemplate old polychromies, ancient baptis- Finally, it should be mentioned that Podkarpackie won over the heart mal fonts and surprising works of art such as sculptures from Master of Jaroslav Hašek, who used it as a setting for the last volume of his Veit Stoss atelier, in a humble church in Brzeziny. One should also take most famous book. As a result today we can travel along the tourist a look at the wooden small-town buildings in Kalwaria Pacławska, trail called Following the Good Soldier Švejk, and in Przemyśl or Sanok, Pruchnik upon San or Mrzygłód. sit with him on a bench and rub his nose - because it brings luck! The heritage of Podkarpackie also includes many castles and palaces, remembering such grand families as the Lubomirski, Potocki, Krasicki, Czartoryski, Mniszech and others. There are hundreds of manor houses Manor house from Krzeczowice in Pastewnik which have survived, bearing witness to the culture of nobility once open-air exposition in Przeworsk. . (KZ) living here. There are some parks, gardens or farm buildings that have resisted the time. One can learn about the region’s history in numerous museums which collect historic, natural and ethnographic artefacts preserving the memory of people of art and science, and documenting development of industry. The open-air museums of wooden architecture in Sanok and Kolbuszowa are very famous. A number of private museums also hold fascinating collections. Museum in Bóbrka reminds us that Pod- karpackie is the cradle of world oil industry. (TM)

33 CULTURE CONJURED IN WOOD

Podkarpackie is such a place in Europe, where thanks to the mixture to be shown and promoted, because then these treasures will still be of diverse cultures, in a relatively small area we can see numerous vibrant with life, and the delighted eyes of experts and tourists will monuments of wooden sacred and secular architecture. We can find rediscover their unique beauty „conjured in wood”. here examples of Gothic churches, Orthodox and Greek-Catholic There is a unique charm in the smell of wood, aroma of incense, creak- tserkovs, historical manor houses, hunting lodges, townhouses with ing of old floors, and the mysterious twilight inside the small wooden arcades, as well as spa villas. Even though time and history were mer- churches and tserkovs. Their delightful beauty, hidden amidst trees, ciless to some, whatever is left today enchants with architectural de- contains the history of this region. In the wooden architecture there is tail, picturesque settings and interior ornaments. That is why, those something fascinating, a feeling of tranquility and meditation. wooden riches must be taken care of, but at the same time they need

34

Gorajec. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov Galician town square in the Museum Inside a cottage from Budziwój, of Nativity of Virgin Mary, from 1586 (KZ) of Rural Architecture in Sanok. (MB) in the open-air exposition in Kolbuszowa. (KZ)

Visitors are also invariably impressed by the wooden hunting lodge The historical wooden landmarks are scattered throughout the region, of the Potocki family in Julin, the larch manor house in Trześniów, spa and many of them have been included onto the Wooden Architecture buildings in Iwonicz Zdrój, wooden small-town buildings in Pruchnik, Route of the Podkarpackie. Mrzygłód, or Kalwaria Pacławska, as well as the original presbytery repre- Notably, six landmarks located here are listed as UNESCO World Heritage senting the Zakopane style in Dydnia. Sites. These are: Roman Catholic churches in Blizne and Haczów, and We must not forget about the region’s open-air expositions of wooden wooden Geek-Catholic or Orthodox tserkovs in Chotyniec, Radruż, Smol- artefacts: the Museum of Folk Culture in Kolbuszowa with complete nik upon the San and Turzańsk. wooden buildings from villages of the ethnographic groups of Lasko- Today, many tserkovs in the region hold services performed in various wiacy and Rzeszowiacy; the Museum of Rural Architecture in Sanok, rites, often accompanied with candle light, and Orthodox singing. This is ranking among Europe’s most impressive sites of this type, continu- a way to evoke the unique charm and atmosphere of the past. When in ously enlarged, currently holding over 100 wooden buildings from the Podkarpackie, you simply must experience this and get a glimpse of the areas of Polish-Ruthenian borderland; and the Museum of the Kresy emotion. Otherwise, it would seem as if you had not been here at all... Borderland in Lubaczów. These are just a few examples of the wooden treasures of the region.

Markowa. Croft - Museum. (KZ) Cmolas. Wooden church of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, from 1674. (KZ)

35

(KZ) Blizne. Gothic wooden church of All Saints from the 1400s. (KZ)

Haczów. Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and St. Archangel Michael, (KZ) from the 1400s, the largest Gothic wooden church in Europe. (KZ)

(KZ) Chotyniec. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God from 1615. (KZ )

36

(MB) Radruż. Wooden tserkov of St. Paraskeva, built in the late 1500s. (MB)

(KZ) Smolnik. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of St. Archangel Michael from 1791, representing Bojko style. (KZ)

(KZ) Turzańsk. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of St. Archangel Michael, built in 1801-1803, from 1963 used as an Orthodox church. (KZ )

37 IN CASTLES, PALACES AND MANOR HOUSES…

Castles, palaces, mansions and manor houses have for centuries by ancient parks. Many of their abodes are only preserved in old paint- been part of the history of the region, its architectural and cultural ings, yellowed documents, or faded photographs. landscape as well as social history. They were inhabited by powerful Many are forgotten, others were destroyed by historical turmoil, while families of Poland (e.g. the Lubomirski, Potocki, Czartoryski, Sapieha, remains of some are being laboriously uncovered by archaeologists. Mniszech), and by lesser nobility (the Dzieduszycki, Tyszkiewicz, Paw- Yet, there are numerous palaces, mansions, and manor houses which likowski, Morski, Krasicki and many others) that lived here for centu- are definitely worth visiting. ries, and have become integral part of this land and its fortunes. They You should take a walk along the paths of old parks, witnesses to left behind numerous mansions and manor houses, often surrounded the lives of the noble residences. Even though many of them may

38 Library in the Castle Museum in Łańcut. (MB) Museum of the Culture of Nobility Krasiczyn. Inside the castle chapel. (KZ) in a manor house in Kopytowa. (KZ) have lost most traces of their former splendour, they continue to by following the Carpathian Trail of Historical Gardens and Houses. represent human dreams and are a manifestation of human genius. While in Podkarpackie, you must visit the castle in Łańcut, one of the Aristocratic residences and the more modest establishments of lesser most famous and magnificent Polish aristocratic residences. You will nobility, throughout the centuries were subjected to alterations and be able to admire well-preserved splendid residential interiors, and a upgrading, and thanks to the collected works of art and keepsakes, unique Coach House, a rarity in Europe, with priceless collection of they would become the centres of cultural and social life as well as luxury vehicles manufactured by the most reputable companies from places where national traditions were cultivated. Vienna, London and Paris. Other sites on the “must-visit” list include Krasiczyn – the “Jewel of Polish Renaissance”, with unique attic and It was there that the consecutive generations of owners would hold Sgraffito decorations; the palace and park complex in Dukla, owing works of the greatest European and Polish artists, libraries and ar- its grandeur to Amalia Mniszech, née Brühl, whose Rococo tombstone chives, collections of weapons, ceramics, glassware, coins, that could – one of the most beautiful monuments of the type in Poland – is in not be found even in museums; private theatres were established, a church in Dukla; the palace in Wysocko – the abode of the future printing houses, schools. Palaces were surrounded with landscape queen Marie Casimire Sobieska, with the only royal gardens in the parks, which today continue to fascinate and inspire, as well as Podkarpackie. Baranów Sandomierski, Rzeszów, Sieniawa, Dubiecko, greenhouses and gardens which provided specimens for botanical Zarzecze, Narol, Przecław, Bakończyce near Przemyśl and many other gardens and private estates throughout Europe. These can be visited places invite for the meeting with the spirit of the past.

Tomb of Amalia Mniszech in church of St. Mary Magdalene in Dukla. (KZ) Castle Museum in Łańcut. (KP)

39 Renaissance-style residence in Baranów Sandomierski. (TB)

Olszanica. Palace from 1905, built on the site of a defensive manor house from the 1500. (KZ) Rzemień. Knight-style residential tower from the 1500s. (KZ)

40 Krasiczyn. Castle and Park complex. (KZ)

Wysocko. Palace built in 1724-1734 on the site of the wooden Zarzecze. Classicist palace of the Dzieduszycki family manor house owned by Queen Marie Casimiere Sobieska. (KZ) dating from 1817-1819, today holds Dzieduszycki Museum. (KZ)

41 MUSEUMS IN PODKARPACKIE

The varied history and culture of our region can be explored during vis- Jews in World War II in Markowa, National Museum of Przemyśl Region, its to the museums in Podkarpackie. Expositions waiting for tourists Museum of Kresy Borderland in Lubaczów, and Museum of Oil and Gas present unique collections of religious and secular art, archaeological Industry in Bóbrka. These impressive exhibitions will be remembered and natural artefacts, or even interactive displays illustrating industrial by visitors for a long time. In addition to traditional touring, you can development of the region. Here you can visit amazing interiors of the pay a virtual visit to 14 museums by using a specially designed web- Castle Museum in Łańcut, open-air expositions for instance in Sanok, site. The digital presentations include virtual tour of the expositions, Kolbuszowa, or the Carpathian Troy in Trzcinica, biographical museums 3D animations of selected exhibits as well as video materials. All this is such as Maria Konopnicka Museum in Żarnowiec, as well as Ethno- available at http://www.wmp.podkarpackie.pl graphic Museum in Rzeszów, the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving

42 Gallery of Zdzisław Beksiński National Museum of Przemyśl Region. (KZ) Museum of Bells and Tobacco Pipes in Przemyśl. (GK) in the Historical Museum in Sanok (MB)

National Museum of Przemyśl Region Historical Museum in Sanok Those interested in military heritage should definitely come here to Holding one of the most beautiful collections of Greek-Catholic and see the exhibition related to the Forts of Przemyśl. This is the first Orthodox arts, the Museum in Sanok presents over 1,200 exhibits, in- exposition giving a comprehensive view to the history of the Przemyśl cluding early examples of icons, liturgical items (utensils, polychrome Fortress, one of the most famous defensive structures used during crucifixes made of wood, encolpions, hangers, banners, gowns, old the First World War. The Museum also holds a large exhibition of reli- prints) from churches existing today or in the past in the areas which gious art created by two nations, Polish and Ukrainian, which jointly now are in south-eastern Poland and Ukraine. built the history of this part of Poland. Similarly, the exposition of There is also a collection of Roman-Catholic artefacts, from the 15th Jewish artefacts illustrates the fortunes of the Jewish community in to the 19th century, which originally were located in churches and Przemyśl. shrines within the Przemyśl Diocese. Another highlight of the Museum is the world’s largest collection of Museum of Bells and Pipes art by Zdzisław Beksiński. The exposition presents about 600 paint- The late Baroque, 40-metre-tall Bell Tower located within the old ings and other works representing the large and varied output of town of Przemyśl, houses an unusual collection... The arts of bell one of the most interesting and intriguing contemporary visual art- founding and pipe making are the pride of Przemyśl, so this is not surprising that the European capital of these crafts is home to the Historical Museum in Sanok. (KZ) Museum of Bells and Pipes. Here we can learn about the process of casting bells, unchanged since the Middle Ages, and we can admire impressive exhibits, e.g. from foundries in Gdańsk and Toruń, dating from the 1600s and 1700s, as well as those produced in Przemyśl in the 18th, 19th and 20th century. On display here are also ship bells, borrowed from the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk and the Mu- seum of Polish Navy in Gdynia. The second part of the exposition here presents a large collection of tobacco pipes, including clay pipes, pipe bowls from the 17th century, historical pipes, Biedermeier pipes, re- servists pipes, and contemporary pipes manufactured by local family businesses. The hardship of climbing narrow winding stairs will be re- warded with the amazing panorama of the city, which can be admired from a viewing terrace on top of the tower.

43 (KZ) Carpathian Troy in Trzcinica (KZ)

ists. Here you can also see the meticulously recreated Artist’s study, ical park, located at its foot. There is also exposition pavilion with “brought” from his Warsaw apartment. a large exhibition room, multimedia educational facility for children and a cosy Room of Small Discoverers for preschoolers. Carpathian Carpathian Troy Troy is more than the archaeological exposition. In comes back to life Magnificent, inaccessible and unconquered, upon its discovery it during numerous historical reconstructions, when you can again hear brought to mind ancient Troy. Today, everyone is welcome to visit this the clang of arms and sounds of working craftsmen. site which holds a unique combination of an outdoors archaeologi- cal exposition and a modern museum. The Carpathian Troy Open-Air COP Central Industrial Region – for the future Museum in Trzcinica near Jasło was created on the site of one of This part of Poland is invariably associated with the Central Industrial the most important archaeological digs in Poland, of particular im- Region, a development program which started only three years before portance in uncovering the early history of the whole Central and WWII, yet it created the foundations for the current growth of indus- Eastern Europe. This is because here pre-history crossed paths with try, especially aerospace sector. In Stalowa Wola we can see an ex- the Middle Ages, and Mediterranean culture met with the Slavonic cellent multimedia display which was prepared in 2007 for the 70th substance. The entire complex comprises the hillfort and archaeolog- anniversary of the COP project. The exposition has become quite pop-

(KZ) Stalowa Wola. Regional Museum. Exhibition „COP Central Industrial Region for the future. People, industry, architecture”. (KZ)

44 ular, attracting tourists from Poland and abroad. The thematic routes introduce visitors to the times when modern economy of the Second Polish Republic was launched. The exposition presents about 600 ex- hibits and 100 large photographs, displayed in a hall with a surface of 1,400 m2. It combines traditional ways of presenting information about COP with advanced audio-visual media. During the tour of the exhibition, you can hear sounds of bombs, planes starting or noises of an old busy street. The program of the event also includes screen- ing of a documentary from the interwar period. Fotoplastikon is an interesting medium used here; the viewer can at the same time see pictures and listen to memories of people involved in the construc- tion of COP. An interactive panel, designed for educational purposes, presents information explaining the economic phenomenon of COP. Museum of Dolls in Pilzno. (KZ)

The world of bedtime cartoons and dolls Miś Uszatek, Coralgol, Rumcajs, Bolek and Lolek, Krecik or Reksio - ev- eryone in Poland remembers these cartoon characters, in fact guests from abroad may know them by other names, Nalle Luppakorva, Ben- From the land of cartoons you might want to travel to the land of dolls nie & Lennie, Krteček... Our fondest childhood memories are linked in Pilzno. The Museum of Dolls, established by a passionate collector, with them, even today we can still recall the songs we heard on TV reveals a world which is unusual, colourful and mysterious. Toys of before going to bed. In Rzeszów, the capital city of Podkarpackie, you our grandmothers, mothers and their children are presented in the can revisit the land of fairy tales to which we are invited by the Mu- scenery designed to match the times of their origin. Dolls have al- seum of Bedtime Cartoons. Its holdings include transparencies with ways fascinated people; indeed, their first collectors were Egyptian frames from animated movies, drafts, screenplays, everyday items pharaohs. They have accompanied the human kind from the very be- with images of cartoon characters, candy wrappings with Maya the ginning, in all continents of the world. This whole story can be seen Honey Bee, Hare and Wolf (Nu, pogodi!) and many, many others. “Chil- in Pilzno. dren are fond of bears, bears are fond of children”, this is what the friendly Teddy Floppy-ear used to sing in the night-time cartoon. But not only children are fond of fairy tales...

(KZ) Museum of Bedtime Cartoons in Rzeszów. (MB)

45 SUBCARPATHIAN TEXAS…

This is the only place where you can feel the smell of oil and see the 1854 in Bóbrka near Krosno the world’s first oil well was launched, way it was drilled in the 1800s. Pump-jacks, horse mills, old oil wells, and two years later the first refinery opened in Ulaszkowice near many of which today are still in working order, have been part of the Jasło. Americans built theirs only 5 years later... region’s landscape for more than 150 years. It is here that diverse methods, technologies and structures were de- Thanks to the passionate pursuits of three people – Ignacy Łu- signed; these provided the foundations for the development of many kasiewicz, Tytus Trzecieski and Karol Klobassy-Zrencki – the world sectors of petroleum industry – from geology and surveying to drilling, today, witnessing the “oil rush”, practically cannot function without exploitation, refineries and finally distribution of oil and its products. this resource. This is the birth place of the industry which led to the extraordinary The beginnings of oil industry can be traced to the Podkarpackie. In technological development of the world. During the interwar period

46 (KZ) Bóbrka. Ignacy Łukasiewicz Museum of Oil and Gas Industry. (KZ)

Poland had sufficient resources of fuels, and was able to export the The aboveground oil rig has been reconstructed following the histori- surplus of production. cal documentation. The well still works... Today, in the south of the Region you can still see oil wells, old but Speaking of Ignacy Łukasiewicz, we cannot forget about one of the in working order, complete with drilling equipment. The history re- most important Polish and global inventions – the kerosene lamp. lated to the development of oil industry can be explored along the Constructed by him in 1853, the lamp revolutionized everyday life cross-border Oil Trail. Its main points include the Polish cities of Jasło, of people worldwide. That is why it is not surprising that the Podkar- Krosno, Sanok, Lesko and Ustrzyki Dolne and the Ukrainian cities of packie Museum in Krosno houses the largest European collection of Sambir, Boryslav, Drohobych and Lviv. A tour of the “Galician Texas” kerosene lamps, varying in shapes and finishing, and made of diverse definitely must start in Bóbrka, which holds a rare example of the materials with the use of various methods; the exhibition takes us world’s industrial heritage. In the open-air museum of oil industry back to the world of the 19th and early 20th century, shrouded in we should see, for instance, the well called Franek, dating from ca. the warm light produced by the invention of this humble pharmacist. 1860; it was dug by hand to the depth of 50 m, and then deepened with the use of a manual drilling device to the depth of 150 m.

Replica of the kerosene lamp built by Ignacy Łukasiewicz. (KZ) Franek oil well working even today. (KZ)

47 FOLLOWING THE GOOD SOLDIER ŠVEJK

Whatever it was, it used to be somehow. It never happened yet Why Švejk in Podkarpackie? The fourth and final, unfinished volume of that it was no-how – you can almost hear Švejk’s mind-bending com- The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier Švejk by the Czech writer, ment as you sit down next to him on the main square in Przemyśl. Jaroslav Hašek, entitled The Glorious Licking Continued, was almost The good-natured Soldier Švejk also reigns on a boardwalk in Sanok, in whole devoted to the protagonist’s adventures in the Fortress of and tourists have polished out his huge nose as much as that of his Przemyśl. During this time Švejk was caught by a patrol of military po- bronze counterpart in Przemyśl. This is because they say that rubbing lice who thought he was a Russian soldier. This was because of a Rus- Švejk’s nose brings luck … sian military uniform, discovered near a pond, which Švejk had put on

48 Good Soldier Švejk in Przemyśl. (WS) Bench of Good Soldier Švejk in Sanok. (MB) Association of Friends of the Good Soldier Švejk in Przemyśl. (MB)

out of curiosity. Initially treated as an ordinary prisoner of war, then the House of Habsburg); there are also 20 boards carrying relevant taken for a spy, he was brought, on foot, from Dobromil to Przemyśl. information and 80 boards with quotes from Švejk. Švejk’s Alleys can Did Švejk’s famously humorous ways help him to get out of trouble? be visited in Sanok and Przemyśl; the latter is also home to the Asso- Well, to find out you must read the Hašek’s novel. ciation of Friends of the Good Soldier Švejk, promoting the knowledge of his adventures and the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Today, Švejk and his adventures are investigated by the great Šve- the times of the First World War. jkology movement, one of its manifestations being the tourist route called “Following the Brave Soldier Švejk”. The international hiking Švejk’s “literary visit” to Przemyśl left a lasting mark on the region’s and bicycle trail leads from the Czech Republic via Austria, Hungary, attractiveness for tourists. You simply must visit Švejk, sit on the Slovakia, Poland to Ukraine, revisiting the places described in the bench next to him, “chat” with him, take a selfie. Otherwise, you will novel. The Polish part of the trail officially opened in October 2004. not be able to understand Švejk’s whatever it was... I dutifully report... All the markings along the trail are in yellow and black (the colours of that everything is good... in Podkarpackie.

Feast of Tobacco Pipe in Przemyśl. (KP) Association of Friends of the Good Soldier Švejk in Przemyśl at Fort Werner. (GK)

49 FORTS, BUNKERS, MISSILES – MILITARY LANDMARKS OF PODKARPACKIE A masterpiece of engineering and, after Antwerp and Verdun, one of not only experts in military artifacts, but also enthusiasts of history the greatest fortresses in Europe, Przemyśl Fortress is located by the and beautiful landscapes. One can easily explore the fortifications by border with Ukraine. It continues to fascinate and attracts those want- following the 50-kilometre long fortress route. In the National Muse- ing to explore its secrets. During its heyday it consisted of two rings: um of Przemyśl Region one can also see a multimedia display called external (of 45 km) and internal (15 km). By order of Franz Joseph, in Przemyśl Fortress. The restored Werner Fort, reacquired from the the mid-1800s Przemyśl became the main fortress of Austria-Hunga- army in 2010, houses a museum of military artifacts and items dating ry in the east, or its easternmost point of defense against Russia. This from the best times of the fortress. stronghold, besieged three times, was never captured in direct com- Poland’s largest and best known complex of train bunkers and fortifi- bat. Despite destruction, the forts are really impressive, they attract cations can be seen in Stępina-Cieszyna. In 1940-1941 the Nazi built

50 (KZ) Przemyśl Fortress, Fort I - Salis Saglio, Siedliska. (KZ) Historical Park in Blizna. This is where V-2 rockets and V-1 flying bombs were tested. (MSu) here a train bunker, five security and combat shelters for its protection, relics of the Przemyśl Fortified Region have been documented by his- as well as auxiliary facilities serving the whole complex. In August torians and they can be explored during hiking trips. 1941 a meeting of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini took place here, A real treat for those interested in military landmarks, „Blizna” His- the site was also visited by Himmler, Keitel and Rommel. Connected torical Park holds a 14-metre tall model of the German V-2 missile with Stępina, there is another train bunker, complete with infrastruc- (guided missile), as well as reconstructed barracks of the personnel ture, in the nearby town of Strzyżów; this is a tunnel-bunker system and fragments of military trenches and fortifications from WWII. The drilled underneath the hill called Żarnowska Góra. During the meeting area between Sędziszów Małopolski, Brzeźnica, Rzochów and Kol- of Hitler and Mussolini, Hitler’s train called „Amerika” was stationed in buszowa, with Blizna in the middle, was used by the Nazis as their the Strzyżów bunker. Today, both complexes are open to visitors. testing grounds, called SS Heidelager; this was one of the world’s Another military landmark in the region comprises parts of monumen- first places for testing missile weapons. Experiments with V-1 (fly- tal Soviet fortifications built along the border with the Third Reich, ing bombs with jet propulsion) and V-2 missiles were conducted here delineated after Poland was divided between the occupying forces from November 1943 to June 1944. A visit to the Historical Park, with in 1939, pursuant to the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. Located along the a museum, multimedia display as well as relics and reconstructions so-called Molotov Line, in the Podkarpackie there were fortified re- is an excellent adventure and a journey into the world of technology gions, which were part of the Kiev Military District. More than 200 and mysteries of World War II.

Strzyżów. Train bunker from the times of World War II. (KP) Grab in the Low Beskids. War cemetery no. 4. (KZ)

51 ULMA FAMILY MUSEUM Even though it opened only recently, the Ulma Family Museum of Poles courage and the contribution to building mutual relations” with Jan Saving Jews in World War II, located in Markowa is already attracting Karski Humanitarian Award, presented by the Polish-Jewish Dialogue a lot of attention and has gained recognition. Indeed, this is the first Committee in New York. museum devoted to Poles who risked their own and their families’ lives Its concept was born in the end of 2007, and the works started to provide help to Jewish people, persecuted during the German occu- one year later. Held on 17 March 2016, the opening ceremony was pation. Finally the international map of locations linked with the history attended by many distinguished guests, e.g. President of Poland and of WWII and the Holocaust includes such an important exposition site the First Lady; Anna Azari, Israeli Ambassador in Poland; Christian and bringing back the memory of the Righteous Polish people as well as the Jewish clergy, as well as representatives of Holocaust Survivors and realities of those horrific times during the German occupation of Poland. the Polish Righteous. The Museum is attracting many Polish and foreign visitors, includ- An inspiration for establishing the Museum came from the tragic for- ing numerous politicians, scholars and journalists. After just a few tunes of the local family of Wiktoria and Józef Ulma and their seven months of its operation the Museum was recognized for the “social children: Stasia, Basia, Władziu, Franiu, Antoś, Marysia and the baby

52 (MI) Wiktoria and Józef Ulma. (MSz)

that was to be born shortly. During the German occupation, presum- the adjoining memorial wall. The permanent, interactive, multimedia ably towards the end of 1942, despite the poverty and a risk to life, exposition with the narrative in three languages, Polish, English and the Ulma family provided shelter to eight Jews, from the families of Hebrew, conveys the idea of events related to the Holocaust in Poland Goldman, Didner and Grünfeld. For this they paid the highest price. In and the amount of help provided to Jewish people by inhabitants of the morning on 24 March 1944 a group of German military policemen, Podkarpackie. Of special significance are reports related to specific led by lieut. Eilert Dieken, and a few blue policemen appeared in front cases – testimonies of Survivors and the Righteous – notes, video docu- of their house. First they executed the Jews, and then Józef and his ments, pictures of people and hiding places. To ensure objectivity of the pregnant wife, Wiktoria. Finally, by order of Dieken, the Ulma children narrative the exposition also documents ignoble cases of extortion. were also murdered. The focal point of the Museum is the illuminated model of the Ulma The minimalist and raw design of the Museum provides appropriate family home containing artefacts connected with them – furniture, backdrop for the difficult subject matter. In the square in front of the books, photo cameras built by Józef himself, and photos. A large picture building we can see illuminated plaques with names of those residents of the Family, in glass doors of the Museum, greets visitors and watch- of Podkarpackie who were killed for helping Jews. Names of individuals es them as they depart. providing help to Jewish people in Podkarpackie can also be seen on

(MB) Exposition in Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa. (MB)

53 DIALOGUE OF CULTURES IN PODKARPACKIE

Radomyśl upon San. Easter Parade of Turks. (RB)

The Podkarpackie Region, in terms of culture, is one of the most attrac- Interest in multiculturalism is frequently born from direct experience, tive areas of Poland. Only here can one find this unique atmosphere from the feeling of astonishment, or perhaps the sense of delight. of the former borderland, with roofs of wooden churches and domes Podkarpackie is appealing because of the diversity of religious archi- of Greek Catholic tserkovs, sounds of Orthodox choirs, Jewish prayers tecture, music, painting and crafts; it attracts with places which are and Lemko songs – all side by side. A journey across Podkarpackie special for various cultures and faiths. This specificity can easily be brings a meeting with diverse cultures which you simply must explore. recognized in fun activities and games, processions or festive rituals This dialogue of cultures in the Podkarpackie encourages visitors such as e.g. Feast of Jordan in Sanok or Przemyśl, the Mistery of the to take a broad look at the cultural face of south-eastern Poland. Passion in Kalwaria Pacławska, Easter Parade of Turks in Radomyśl upon the San or celebration on the anniversary of the death of Tzadik The culture of today’s Podkarpackie is a unique phenomenon. Over Elimelech from Leżajsk. the centuries an original mixture emerged, not to be found anywhere else, based on influences of Polish, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Jewish, You are invited to discover the unusual traditions inspired by various Vlach, and even Byzantine traditions, tinted with elements of Persian, cultures which, over the ages, put down roots in our region. Tartar and Turkish orientalism.

Feast of Jordan in Sanok. (WZ) (KZ)

55 LAND OF MANY RELIGIONS

Spirituality of people in Podkarpackie was like the land inhabited by an introduction to the broad religious landscape of this land which them: raw, colourful and powerful, with roots in all the cultures na- reaches towards heaven with the spires, domes and turrets of church- tive to this area. The pulse of religious piety depended on the eternal es, tserkovs and synagogues. rhythms of nature and the recurring cycle of harvests and early-spring The most prominent place in Podkarpackie is held by symbols of spir- paucity. Faith helped survive turmoil of war and shortages. Podkar- ituality associated with Roman Catholicism. It is hard to find a village packie is immensely privileged as it can experience this spiritual her- without at least a chapel-of-ease, and all churches are crowded at the itage of many nations which in course of history left here material time of the holy mass. Over one-thousand-year-long history of Chris- traces of their beliefs. tianity has left here countless relics of all ages. A trip along side roads Some places here from times immemorial carry with them the com- of Podkarpackie will make it possible for you to feel the atmosphere pelling silence of contemplation. Pre-Christian kurgans lost amidst of faith cherished by the local people and to catch a glimpse of the forests, hundreds of holy wells and sacred mountains, these are but thousands of shrines and crosses.

56 Przemyśl, town of many religions. (DH) Synagogue in Łańcut. (KZ) Leżajsk. Bernardine Basilica. (KZ)

The region holds numerous relics of material heritage related to ski and Krzeszów, and a few ohalim, i.e. graves of tzadiks, the miracle Eastern Christianity, most notably the amazing tserkovs, some of the workers. It was here that Hasidic movement first started and spread oldest in Poland. You can admire e.g. the defensive structure of the rapidly; estates and dynasties of tzadiks established e.g. by Nafta- brick tserkov in Posada Rybotycka, and the masterful carpentry vis- li from Ropczyce, Tzvi Elimelech from Dynów, Elimelech Weissblum ible in the tserkovs in Ulucz and Radruż. A number of Orthodox and from Leżajsk and Menachem Mendel from Rymanów greatly contrib- Greek-Catholic tserkovs have survived thanks to priests and followers uted to Jewish religious culture of the entire country. Today we can of Roman Catholicism. Many churches were used by both Catholic de- visit the meticulously restored interiors of the synagogue in Łańcut nominations. Large collections of priceless icons are in the holdings of and meditate on the passing of things. We must not forget about nu- museums in Sanok, Przemyśl and in Łańcut Castle. merous Jewish cemeteries. Many of them were completely destroyed, There is little left to bring back the atmosphere of small Galician in some you can see valuable matzevah, e.g. in Lesko, where the towns, in big part created by their Jewish populations. Yet, if you oldest headstone dates from 1548. Further on, in Lutowiska there want, you will notice relics of Jewish culture, which was destroyed by is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Poland with about 1,000 the Nazis. These include the Renaissance synagogues in Lesko and headstones which because of their unique and elaborate ornamenta- Rymanów, the exquisite synagogues in Przemyśl, the raw silhouettes tion are recognized as some of the most interesting works of Jewish of the synagogues in Rzeszów, headstones in the Jewish cemeteries sepulchral art in Poland. miraculously spared from destruction in Lutowiska, Sokołów Małopol-

Roadside cross. (KZ) Ulucz. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of Our Lord’s Ascension from 1659. (KZ)

57 PLACES OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE FOR RELIGIONS AND CULTURES Jewish populations once cultivated here their unique lifestyle, though sin. On this occasion pilgrims make requests which they leave on the now the material evidence is scarce, just a few dozen synagogues, grave on small pieces of paper known as “kvitels”; the pleas are to be cemeteries and ohalim of pious men, as well as small collections of submitted by the Tzadik to God. Hasidic pilgrims also visit other holy Jewish artefacts. However, even today the region holds places of par- places, such as the graves of Menachem Mendel and Tzvi Hirsch in ticular importance for Jews. For sure, one of these is Leżajsk with the Rymanów, Naftali Horovitz in Łańcut and Tzvi Elimelech in Dynów. grave of Tzadik Elimelech Weissblum (1717 - 1787), visited by Jews In fact the restored synagogue in Łańcut has also become a destina- from all around the world. Each year in February and March prayers tion for Jewish travellers. and songs of pious Jews can be heard here, because there is a belief Kalwaria Pacławska is a place devoted to veneration of the Pas- that who has seen the grave of Elimelech once, they will not die in sion of the Lord, and is known as “Jerusalem of the East”; because

58 A Jew praying in the Jewish cemetery Dukla. Bernardine church and monastery. (WS) Mystery of the Passion of the Lord in Leżajsk. (RW) in Kalwaria Pacławska. (TP) of the famous Baroque painting of Our Lady, the Attentive Listener, the town. His relics returned to the church in Dukla in 1974, and in it is also referred to as Jasna Góra of Podkarpackie. Located near Prze- 1997 he was canonized by John Paul II. Saint Jan is also worshipped myśl, among the gentle hills marked with the meandering Wiar river, by Orthodox believers and Armenians. In the vicinity of Dukla we can the Calvary comprises scattered paths leading to the Stations of the see the Forest Hermitage, which is believed to occupy Jan’s place Cross. The sanctuary is a very important place of worship and is of- of seclusion; there is also a small neo-Gothic church, and next to it ten visited by tourists. Each year in August pilgrims come from all a cavern with spring of water known for its healing properties. over the region and from Ukraine to participate in the celebrations of Along the Wooden Architecture Route in Podkarpackie visitors can the Assumption of Mary. The church has retained its original Baroque admire a number of intricately built churches. One of the most pre- style; the walls and vaults are covered with Baroque frescos, attribut- cious tserkovs in Poland, Greek Catholic Church of Nativity of the Most ed to Stanisław Stroiński from Lviv, the most prominent representa- Holy Mother of God in Chotyniec is a true gem. Its delightfully unique tive of fresco painting in East Małopolska in the 1700s. silhouette features arcades and small roofed galleries, well-preserved Further on, at the foot of Mount Cergowa, in the northern outskirts polychromes from the first half of the 1700s, richly adorned iconos- of the Low Beskids there is the picturesquely situated town of Dukla. tasis and icons. From 1947 to 1990 it functioned as a Roman Catholic This place is linked with the charismatic man known as Saint Jan of church, now it is again used by Greek Catholics. Dukla, who was born here and spent his youth in a hermitage near

Leżajsk. Grave of Tzadik Elimelech. (MM) Chotyniec. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God from 1615. (KZ)

59 MUSIC AND PAINTING OF THE BORDERLAND

The culture of Podkarpackie stands out as an enduring combination of this beautiful tradition is in particular clearly seen in visual arts and of various ethnic elements which, over the ages, have jointly created music, when new generations of artists extract from this rich heritage a new quality by complimenting each other, mutually taking from one of ancestors and, in pursuit of their own creativity, find inspiration another’s variety and sometimes competing with each other. They cre- in these earlier achievements. ated the variegated, yet harmonious mosaic of patterns, sounds and The music of the borderland is made of a variety of sounds which colours from Europe and Asia, imprinted on the land of Podkarpackie. are characteristic for all cultures encountered here. So you can find A saying, that this Polish traditional multiculturalism is perhaps the here klezmer tunes, Lemko music, singing of the Orthodox church and biggest treasure of this region, is not far from the truth. The vitality Gregorian Chants.

60 Hoczew. At the atelier of POŁONINY Song and Dance Ensemble, existing at Rzeszów Hurdy-gurdy players from Podkarpackie. (KZ) Zdzisław Pękalski. (TP) University of Technology. (TP)

And it does not matter whether the artist draws from a painting by a tzadik, an inspired miracle worker, or from a joyful dancing and singing group of Hasidic people or is perhaps filled with respect when faced with the mystique of “writing an icon”. Perhaps his visions are ecstatic like pastoral Ukrainian dance from the Bieszczady or aggressive and colourful like obereks from the area around Rzeszów or harmonious like cross-stitch embroidery and songs of the Lemkos or static like imperial and royal officials depicted in old daguerreotypes. Soaring as a gothic structure or squat as a peasant cottage. It is important that, although it changes along with the world, the culture of the borderland is still alive.

Iconostasis in tserkov of St. Paraskeva in Radruż. (KZ)

Cisna. VERAIKON atelier of Jadwiga Denisiuk. (KZ)

61 HANDICRAFT IN THE PODKARPACKIE

Handicraft is a meeting of the past and the present, of ethnic and the largest Polish pottery centres. The local potters conduct workshops contemporary art. The result is a colourful, frequently surprising and for children and adults. unique mixture of artistic vision and creative talent. In Podkarpackie Colourful flowers, which look deceptively natural, represent the handicraft has a distinctive quality resulting from the influence of di- enchanted world of crepe paper craft, known in the region for years. verse cultures. Crepe paper flowers even today are used to adorn roadside shrines, The best way to learn about handicraft is to make a clay pot - from altars, paintings and icons. forming the material to firing the product. For this you must visit Medy- A special type of artistic medium, sculpture in folk art is an extremely nia Głogowska, which along with the nearby villages used to be one of important tool for expressing creative passion.

62 Pottery workshop. (KZ) Smith’s Croft in Przychojec. (KZ) Centre of basketry in Rudnik upon San. (KZ)

Works of folk art in the past mainly included images of saints, paint- ed on wood, canvass, paper or metal sheet. Later appeared decora- tive paintings with secular themes. Today, the choice of subject de- pends on the artist’s individual preferences and their vision of the world. Paintings made on glass are very popular; these often depict landscapes, floral themes and the region’s wooden landmarks. Another distinctive type of handicraft in Podkarpackie, the art of cre- ating icons has, for centuries, been cultivated here, not only by rural artists. Local handicrafts also include smithery – less and less common, embroidery, weaving and plaiting, as well as the traditional Lemko art of bead jewellery making. Podkarpackie also has a long tradition of wicker weaving, and Rudnik nad Sanem is known as the Polish capital of this craft.The intriguing world of handicraft in Podkarpackie is waiting for you… ANDICRAFT Jan Puk, toy-maker from Trześnia. (KZ) H Bronisława Pyc from Zawadka, specializes in straw ornaments. (KZ) Shirt embellished with Lemko-style embroidery. (KZ) IN THE PODKARPACKIE

63 MUSIC FESTIVALS

The Podkarpackie also invites to music festivals of national and inter- the Lubomirski family, and later the Potocki, who owned the castle, national importance, and for smaller events which show the musical set the tone for the cultural life of the region. potential of the region, and local residents’ love of music. The most The World Festival of Polish Folk Ensembles, held in Rzeszów from renowned event, the International Music Festival in Łańcut has been 1969, is a celebration of dancing and singing. It is also excellent pro- organized for over 50 years, and has seen performances of world- motion for the region, and an opportunity for integration between class artists. It is a real feast for enthusiasts of classical music who, on people of Polish origin living all over the world. Every three years, for this occasion, come here from Poland and from abroad. The Festival is one week the region becomes a huge concert venue; young partici- partly held in the historic interiors of the Łańcut Castle, and in a way pants get to know the country of their ancestors, older guests - revisit continues the long musical traditions going back to the 1700s, when the places they knew in their youth.

64 International Music Festival in Łańcut. European Stadium of Culture in Rzeszów. (TP) Cieszanów Rock Festiwal. (MSzw) Outdoors concert in front of the castle. (TP)

Another notable event, launched in 2012 and organized in three elements, practice and theory, professional and amateur, as well as cities of Eastern Poland, is called East of Culture. During this festi- academic and folk art. Musicians from Poland and from abroad do not val Rzeszów hosts European Stadium of Culture which has become only present their concerts but they also participate in discussions a pride of the city. Its program includes dozens of varied artistic focusing on tradition, philosophy of music, historical performing events, including concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances, film styles, and share their experience and artistic accomplishments. screenings, workshops, literary discussions, etc. East of Culture Added to the list of events a few years ago, Cieszanów Rock events provide an opportunity for integration of artistic communities Festival has become one of the major and most recognizable sum- of Eastern Poland and countries associated within the Eastern Part- mer festivals in Poland, and the largest rock event in Eastern Poland. nership (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). It features performances of well-known Polish and foreign musicians Enthusiasts of classical music have an opportunity to enjoy perfor- and bands. Each year more and more music fans come to the festival, mances of excellent musicians from all over the world during concerts where the attractions waiting for them, in addition to good music, of the International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music in Leżajsk. include NGO Town, Wędrowiec swimming area, and the unique atmo- The historic town of Jarosław holds the ‘Song of Our Roots’ Early sphere of Roztocze. Music Festival which is designed to combine secular and spiritual

International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music, Early Music Festival ” Song of Our Roots” in Jarosław. (PK) in the Bernardine Basilica in Leżajsk. (TP)

65 GREAT NAMES OF CULTURE Zdzisław Beksiński (1929 – 2005) - painter, sculptor, photographer, Józef Szajna (1922 – 2008) – born in Rzeszów, a remarkable visual graphic artist working with the aid of computer. His family had, for artist, he was particularly known for his contribution to theatre as generations, been connected with Sanok where he himself lived until a stage designer, director, theoretician, author of original, innovative the latter half of the 1970s. In his works, he created a unique lan- performances; he was also a professor of Academy of Fine Arts in guage of artistic expression, recognizable worldwide, in some cases Warsaw. He is considered as one of the five greatest artists of the based on the use of computer programs. He bequeathed his whole 20th century. During WWII he participated in combat against the Na- artistic output to the Historical Museum in Sanok to which during his zis and was arrested and held prisoner in Auschwitz and Buchen- lifetime he donated approximately 300 of his works. After the Artist’s wald concentration camps. In 1997 during a celebration of the Artist’s passing, the Museum received about 20 of his final paintings, approx. 75th birthday and 50 years of creative work in Wanda Siemaszkowa 1,000 photos and graphics. Theatre in Rzeszów, Szajna Gallery was opened and today it is the only permanent exposition of his works in Poland and in the world.

66 Tadeusz Kantor (1915 – 1990) – born in Wielopole Skrzyńskie, theatre director, painter, visual artist, stage designer, author of artistic mani- festos, organizer of cultural events, founder of Cricot 2 Theatre in Kraków. Inspired by Western artists, he introduced Polish audiences to informalism, conceptualism, and happenings. His performances typi- cally featured puppet-like acting style and scenes designed to resem- ble silent movies. In Wielopole Skrzyńskie we can visit Kantorówka, the Artist’s museum organized in the building in which he was born; it holds some of his works, documents and family keepsakes. One of his most famous plays, Wielopole, Wielopole talks about his hometown.

Jerzy Grotowski (1933 – 1999) – born in Rzeszów, he was a theatre director, educator, theatre theoretician, who proposed a novel acting method. He is recognized as one of the greatest theatre artists and re- formers of the 20th century. He made his debut in Stary Teatr in Cracow where he directed The Chairs by E. Ionesco. From 1959 he managed Theatre of 13 Rows in Opole (from 1962 known as Laboratory Theatre of 13 Rows), where he directed performances suggestive of the future evolution of his creative pursuits. He worked in the USA, Argentina, and across Europe; in Italy he conducted “paratheatre” workshops with an international team, striving to recreate theatre-ritual. Until the mid- 1970s he was a symbol of Polish culture in the whole world.

Józef Mehoffer (1869 – 1946) – from Ropczyce, a great stained glass designer, painter and graphic artist, one of the outstanding represen- tatives of the period of Young Poland, recognized as the master of Art Nouveau decorativeness, he was a founding member of Sztuka Asso- ciation of Polish Artists. His works, which can be admired in Podkar- packie, include the stained glass windows in the Przemyśl Cathedral and in the former castle chapel in Baranów Sandomierski. Stained-glass window designed by Józef Mehoffer, in the castle chapel in Baranów Sandomierski. (KZ)

Zdzisław Beksiński’s studio recreated in the Historical Museum in Sanok. (MB) Rzeszów. Passage 2001, monument designed by Józef Szajna. (TP)

67 Adam Ostaszewski (1860 – 1934) – former owner of Wzdów, scientist and inventor, called “Leonardo from Wzdów”, airplane designer, pioneer of Polish aviation, economic and social activist, writer, playwright, poet and translator of poetry from various places throughout the world, expert in more than twenty languages, author of a language similar to Esperanto and its dictionary, doctor of law and philosophy; he de- signed a number of airplane models (including, an airframe with an engine which structurally resembled the plane designed by the Wright Brothers, though in fact his invention preceded theirs), a jet plane, bi- planes Ost 1 – 3, helicopter, model of an airship, an automatic machine for playing chess as well as scientific and research instruments; he wrote dissertations in physics, astronomy and printing techniques, and essays focusing on art and archaeology. In the manor house in Wzdów Wanda Siemaszkowa - the theatre in Rzeszów was named after her in 1957. (TS) he built an astronomical observatory – a wooden structure in the shape Rzeszów. Statue of Tadeusz Nalepa. (KZ ) of a cylinder, with a movable roof dome.

Jan Gwalbert Pawlikowski (1860 – 1939) – economist, historian of literature and literary critic, commentator and publisher, politician, educator, theoretician and practitioner of farming, political and social activist, mountaineer and speleologist, pioneering advocate of envi- ronmental issues and tourism in Poland. His works provided the foun- dations for the first Polish act on environment conservation, adopted in 1934. He came from the renowned and highly esteemed family of Pawlikowski from Medyka, which from the 1700s was the centre of cultural life in that area.

Piotr Michałowski (1800 – 1855) - painter, social and economic ac- tivist, author of excellent portraits and images of horses; for a few years he lived in Bolestraszyce near Przemyśl. His landscaped gar- den later became part of the Arboretum known both in Poland and abroad. A highly valuable artistic document of that period in his life, “Bolestraszyce Sketchbook” by Michałowski contains excellent studies of people and animals.

Count Aleksander Fredro (1793 – 1876) – playwright, the most re- nowned Polish author of comedies. He spent his childhood in his grand- father’s manor house in Nienadowa, and as a result of marriage with Zofia Jabłonowska he became a co-owner of the Kamieniec castle in Odrzykoń. This is where he read an account of an old dispute between neighbours, which inspired his most famous comedy, The Revenge.

Ignacy Krasicki (1735 – 1801) – bishop of the Region of Warmia; he was born in Dubiecko, and is remembered as the “Prince of Poets”. He worked for King Stanisław August Poniatowski, and co-wrote the Constitution of 3 May 1791. He frequently visited the Dubiecko castle, contributing to its specific climate of a literary salon, and he devoted a few poems to his

68 family nest, writing, for instance „Oh, sweet place of my birth...”.

Wanda Siemaszkowa (1867 – 1947) – outstanding actress, particular- ly successful in roles based on modernist literature, director, theatre manager. After World War II for two seasons (1945 - 1947) she was in charge of Teatr Ziemi Rzeszowskiej, where she was also an actress and a director. She managed to assemble a young committed team of actors and to prepare quality repertoire. She staged here such plays as: Balladyna and Maria Stuart by J. Słowacki and A Doll’s House by Ibsen. During her final appearance on stage in Rzeszów in 1946 she played Mrs. Tabret in The Sacred Flame by W. Somerset-Maugham. The theatre in Rzeszów was named after her in 1957.

„Leonardo from Wzdów” - statue of Adam Ostaszewski. (KZ) Stanisław Pigoń (1885 - 1968) – born in Kombornia near Krosno, histor- ian of Polish literature, editor, teacher and educator, professor of history of Polish literature as well as vice-chancellor at Stefan Batory University in Vilnius, professor of the Jagiellonian University where he was one of the teachers of Karol Wojtyła, member of the Polish Academy of Scienc- es and Polish Academy of Learning. Together with a group of professors from Kraków he was held prisoner in the Nazi concentration camp in Sachsenhausen. In his research he focused on literature as a medium for important educational contents and its role in the shaping of Pol- ish national identity. He studied and edited texts by great writers. The professor’s book collection comprising 9,351 volumes, after his passing was bequeathed to the Pedagogical University of Rzeszów. In 1982 Pi- gonianum Laboratory for Polish Studies was established, at present it is located in the Library of the University of Rzeszów. He was decorated with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

Tadeusz Nalepa ( 1943-2007) – musician, guitarist, vocalist, harmon- ica player, songwriter. Remembered as the Father of Polish Blues, he was a founding member of Blackout and Breakout. He graduated from Kamieniec castle provided the setting for The Revenge, the most famous comedy by Count Aleksander Fredro (KZ) music school in Rzeszów, where he studied violin, clarinet and double Statue of Ignacy Krasicki in front of the castle in Dubiecko. (KZ) bass. In 1965 he founded his band called Blackout, which started by playing covers of songs by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The band released one full-length album, entitled Blackout, and six EPs and singles, by the time it folded at the end of 1967. Later Nalepa started composing music for songs with lyrics written by poet, Bogdan Loebl. In 1968 he started the band called Breakout. During the follow- ing 13 years the band recorded ten albums. Later Nalepa continued as a solo artist, recording with various musicians. In 2003 he was award- ed with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. He is rec- ognized as one of the most influential Polish rock musicians. Tadeusz Nalepa died on 4 March 2007, and was buried in Powązki Cemetery in Warsaw.

69 BROAD VIEW TO THE PODKARPACKIE

Centre for Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, University of Rzeszów. (KZ)

Meeting point for three national borders: Poland, Slovakia and The region stands out for a large concentration of aerospace Ukraine, external border of the European Union, East-West transport companies (accounting for approx. 90% of domestic production corridor – these are only a few of the assets of Podkarpackie, a leader in this sector), numerous science and research centres, and well among the regions of Eastern Poland. developed educational and training facilities. Yet, the strength of the Economic growth of Podkarpackie is inseparably linked with the con- local economy does not depend only on aerospace industry. Sector of struction of the Central Industrial Region started before World War II. information technologies is also of considerable importance for the This development program was the genesis of numerous industrial economy, as it is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the plants operating today, such as Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów, PZL Mielec region, just like automotive industry - a number of global leaders in Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company and Huta Stalowa Wola SA., to this sector have built their plants here. The region’s economy is also mention only a few. Because the world’s first oil well was built in defined by mechanical and electrical engineering sector, chemical, 1854 in Bóbrka near Krosno, the region is also recognized as the glass and wood industries, as well as agriculture. Innovative forms cradle of oil industry. of business support are effectively implemented here, and in terms Today, the Podkarpackie Region is favoured by investors seeking of R&D expenditures the Podkarpackie Region holds high-ranking location for their business in the macro-region of Eastern Poland. position in Poland. Such choice is encouraged by the availability of areas designated for investments and the existing economic zones offering preferential conditions for economic operations. What is more, the area is easily Part of S19 expressway in Podkarpackie. (TP) accessible; the factors determining this include A4 Motorway linking western and eastern border of Poland, S19 Expressway currently un- der construction, modernized railway lines, including broad LHS line, as well as Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport with consistently growing number of passengers. (PL)

71 RZESZÓW

Rzeszów is a capital of innovation. This is a place where tradition ness and education partnerships are promoted and implemented in meets with modernity. The city is an important hub of aviation, in- the city. Students of secondary schools can acquire specializations formation technology, chemical and construction industries, services matching the needs of the labour market, mainly in aviation sector and trade as well as shared service centres. (avionics technician, aeronautics technician, flight attendant, opera- An important asset is Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport, with tor of numerically controlled machine tools). Rzeszów is one of the the second longest runway in Poland. It can receive and handle all major centres for higher education in Poland. According to recent types of airplanes, and it offers direct flights e.g. to Berlin, Munich, Eurostat data, it is a European leader in the rate of university London, Paris, Oslo and Warsaw. students – with as many as 353 students per 1,000 inhabitants. Young people are the real capital of Rzeszów. Programs for busi- Six schools of higher education in Rzeszów have well qualified

72 Tadeusz Mazowiecki Bridge in Rzeszów. (TP) Circular pedestrian bridge in the Region’s capital. (TP) Bernardine gardens. (TP)

academic staff and advanced educational facilities. Here young airport, S19 Expressway, and A4 Motorway. In recent years, as a result people can take courses in e.g. Aeronautics and Space Techno- of the city’s investment policy and the available tax relief, investment logy, Nanotechnologies, Airport Traffic Management, or Automatic projects in or near Rzeszów have been initiated by such companies Control and Robotics, and in the academic year of 2015/2016 as: MTU Aero Engines, BorgWarner Turbo Systems Poland, Goodrich a course in medicine was launched. Aerospace Poland, Vac Aero International, Raben Group, Heli One, Facilities available to university students in Rzeszów include e.g. McBraida Poland, Software Mind and many more. Poland’s most advanced laboratory of forensic sciences, electron- Rzeszów consistently builds its position of the metropolitan centre of ic firing range, innovative Laboratory of Virtual Reality and Image south-eastern Poland. Processing equipped with 3D cave, as well as stock-exchange sim- Since 2006 the city has expanded over two-fold, and currently ulation laboratory. comprises an area of nearly 117 km2. The city authorities pay much attention to attracting investors. Specially designed economic zones are located in the vicinity of the

Rzeszów Town Square. (MB) Multimedia fountain. (TP)

73 FOR THE LOVE OF SKY-HIGH HORIZONS

In Podkarpackie the love for aviation is in people’s blood. In 1790 Jan Development of the aviation related traditions was also undoubt- Potocki from Łańcut was the first Pole to fulfil his dream of aerial edly impacted by the collaboration between eminent residents of travel, as he was lifted by a balloon high up into the sky. Important the region and the Aviatic Association of Polytechnic University, the pages of the history of aviation in Podkarpackie were written by oldest organization of this type in Poland, established at the Lviv Adam Ostaszewski, a land owner from Wzdów, and a pioneer rec- Polytechnic University. Members of the association later were to be ognized as an inventor of biplane and jet engine. In 1892 a verti- found in nearly all of the newly emerging centres of aeronautical cal take-off aircraft, built for Ostaszewski, ascended to the height research and production. In the 1920s the Association was trans- of 100 m. Notably, at this time the Wright Brothers were still busy formed into Lviv Aero Club, which in 1930 opened the excellent and manufacturing bicycles. extremely popular gliding school in Bezmiechowa, today still oper- ating in Podkarpackie.

74 Core PZL Mielec products - multi-role S-70i BLACK HAWK Gliding field in Bezmiechowa. (AB) helicopter and M28 aircraft. (PZL)

The beginnings of aviation industry in this area are linked with approx. 90% of these are located within the Podkarpackie Region. the Central Industrial Region, a development program initiated in The companies associated in the Aviation Valley include represen- the 1930s. Its major investment projects included aviation works tatives of global aerospace sector. Leaders of the cluster, with the in Mielec and Rzeszów. This was the start for the development of largest and most advanced operations, include the manufacturer the region as an important aircraft manufacturing centre. In time, of aircraft components and complete engine units, Pratt & Whitney the growing concentration of aviation businesses in the region Rzeszów, part of the American group, United Technologies Corpo- combined with related research and development facilities and ed- ration. Another particularly notable member of the cluster is PZL ucational base resulted in a decision to establish an aviation indus- Mielec Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company, which is Poland’s largest try cluster. Launched in 2003, “Aviation Valley” Association of the aircraft manufacturer, producing also aircraft structures and helicop- Group of Entrepreneurs of Aviation Industry aims at transforming ters. The company’s greatest accomplishments include the launch of south-eastern Poland into one of Europe’s regional leaders in aero- the production line for the multi-task helicopter Sikorsky S-70iTM space industry. Today the cluster consists of nearly 150 companies; BLACK HAWK. Members of the Aviation Valley in the region also

Bird’s eye view to Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów. In the middle: Topaz - manufactured by Ekolot company from Krosno. (AM) high-tech Research and Development Centre. (P&W)

75 AN-2 manufactured by PZL-Mielec Part of the first Polish and European in the period from 1960 to 1991. (MB) automatic line for production of frame for PW800 engine. (P&W)

include the highly advanced factory and research centre of MTU students to obtain commercial pilot licence. Facilities playing an im- Aero Engines. Other companies include: Safran Transmission Sys- portant part here include Aviation Training Centre in Jasionka near tems Poland (formerly: Hispano-Suiza Polska), processing and Rzeszów, Research and Development Laboratory for Aerospace Ma- assembling of technologically advanced engine components and terials as well as the University Gliding Centre in Bezmiechowa near modules used e.g. by Airbus and Boeing, Heli-One (helicopter base Lesko. maintenance), McBraida (manufacturing of high-precision parts for aircraft engines and other components for aerospace sector), as well as companies renowned in the German market, B&M Optik (produc- tion of lenses) and M&M Air Cargo Service S.A. (forwarding services). Developments in aerospace sector largely depend on availability of qualified personnel. Rzeszów University of Technology plays the leading role in the region in providing specialist education. Existing since the early 1950s, the university does not only train specialists in designing airplanes and aeronautical equipment, but also allows

PZL M18 Dromader developed and manufactured in PZL Mielec. (MB)

76 Linetech - company providing base checks 77 and line maintenance services for passenger aircraft (PKa) A WORLD-WIDE VIEW FROM PODKARPACKIE

The civil airport in Jasionka near Rzeszów was launched in 1949. 1.5 million people, and in fact its further expansion is feasible. One It was once a peripheral landing facility, but in the 21st century it year earlier, new airport aprons and taxiways were put into use, as spread its wings and today it is used by thousands of passengers per a result the manoeuvring area for airplanes increased a few times. year and it has become a leader among Polish regional airports with These two investments are only a part of the initiatives contributing traffic below one million passengers. to the dynamic development of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in recent years, but they are a good illustration for its qualitative shift. The Opened in 2012, the new passenger terminal was completed within change is most clearly visible if we look at cargo statistics: nearly 14 months. It is designed for annual passenger traffic at the level of 4,500 tonnes of goods were handled in 2015 while the previous,

78 (TP) Terminal of the International Airport. (PL) IL76 cargo aircraft. (TK)

record holding, result in 2014 was... four times lower. Further invest- than two hours to reach Paris. New connections launched in 2016 ments in cargo infrastructure as well as development of business, par- include daily flights to Munich, operated by Lufthansa, as well as ticularly linked with aviation sector, in Podkarpackie and in its vicin- those offered by the low-cost Irish airlines Ryanair: flights to the Greek ity, justify an assumption that this is not the last word of the Airport island of Corfu (during summer, once a week), and to Berlin Schönefeld in the segment of air transport of goods. (starting from September 2016, three times a week).

In 2016 the Airport celebrated the launch of new direct connection Apart from the above new options, from Rzeszów-Jasionka through- between Rzeszów and Paris (Charles de Gaulle). The flights, taking out the year you can travel to Warsaw (4 flights a day), London place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, are operated by the (Stansted and Luton airports, the total of 12 flights per week), and to Slovenian airlines, Adria Airways, which this way have made their de- Manchester, Bristol, East Midlands, Dublin and Oslo Rygge. Additional but in Rzeszów as a regular carrier, joining LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthan- summertime services include charter flights to popular holiday desti- sa and Ryanair. Adria 70-seat jet airplanes CRJ-700 need slightly more nations, such as Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

(TK) Annually the airport handles over 600,000 passengers. (TK)

79 POWERFUL ECONOMY The strength of economy in the Podkarpackie Region largely depends 2015, Asseco Group was listed at No. 6. The largest employer in Polish on the position of information technology industry. Today this is one IT sector, the company specializes in the production and development of the most rapidly growing sectors in the region. Enterprises oper- of software, and being the largest software house with Polish capital, ating here represent nearly all IT specializations, yet it is software it successfully competes with global leaders. Even a brief presenta- companies that employ the largest number of people. tion of the local IT sector must mention G2A company from Rzeszów, Information technology sector in Podkarpackie comprises a number currently the world’s fastest growing digital marketplace and a global of companies which are greatly varied in terms of size. One of these leader in sales of computer games. is Asseco Poland S.A., the largest IT company listed on Warsaw Stock To integrate the business community involved in telecommunica- Exchange, and an important player in the European market. In a high- tions, telephone and information technology sectors, Association of ly regarded ranking of the TOP 100 European Software Vendors for Information Technology Podkarpacka was established in Rzeszów

80 Headquarters of Asseco Poland Winged bus SFW-1 Sanok designed by Zdzisław Beksiński. The artist SANCITY 10LF bus currently in Rzeszów. (TP) also created the company logo for Autosan in Sanok (AUT) manufactured in Sanok. (AUT)

in 2006. Its mission is to provide support for establishing and de- Later it became a symbol of bus manufacturing in Poland – in 1993 the velopment of entrepreneurship clusters in tele-information sector. factory was left by bus number 100,000. Other factories from here, In December 2010, eight companies from the Podkarpackie and Lubel- ZASŁAW and STOMIL also have logos known on roads across Europe. skie Regions established Eastern Information Technology Cluster. In recent years, the second robust pillar of automotive industry in Its priority objectives include creating favourable conditions to facili- the Podkarpackie emerged in the north-western part of the region. tate implementation of innovative solutions, as well as designing and The area between Dębica and Stalowa Wola is home to six large promoting any initiatives aimed at the development of information companies operating in automotive sector, with the total turnover society. At present nearly 90 companies belong to the cluster. exceeding six billion PLN, and employing over 13,000 people. These Automotive industry – in addition to information technology, aero- are: PILKINGTON, KIRCHHOFF, GOODYEAR, UNIWHEELS, FEDERAL space and “quality of life” sectors – is becoming another smart MOGUL and LEAR CORPORATION. An innovative prototype of specialization of the region, and it is linked with traditions go- passenger car powered by electricity was created in Mielec. Across the ing back to the 1800s. A plant today known as AUTOSAN was region there are dozens of factories manufacturing automotive launched as early as 1832. Initially a manufacturer of rolling stock, components, which is a good predictor for the development of this by 1925 the factory released 15,000 tramway and railway carriages. industry.

Prototype of electric car designed in Mielec. (ABo) State-of-the-art manufacturing line in Uniwheels plant. (UW)

81 DEVELOPMENT WITH SUPPORT The Podkarpackie Region successfully organizes pioneering forms as science and research endeavours the park is mainly linked to avia- of business support which are a novelty in the whole country. There tion industry. It offers fully developed investment areas and facilities are two special economic zones, and entrepreneurs operating in aero- of Academic Pre-incubator and Technology Incubator. Its advantag- space and innovative technologies sectors can locate their business- es include the location in the vicinity of A4 Motorway and Rzeszów- es within AEROPOLIS Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park. Jasionka International Airport. Moreover, the Park has been incorpo- The first Polish industrial park designed for a specific sector, AERO- rated within EURO-PARK Mielec Special Economic Zone, as a result POLIS is one of the most attractive areas for investments in the mac- of which companies located here may be entitled to tax exemption. ro-region of Eastern Poland. In terms of business operations as well Investors can also count on assistance from the Park administrator,

82 Building of Aeropolis Podkarpackie Science UTC - Aerospace Systems. (MB) Advanced manufacturing line in MTU Aero Engines Polska. (MTU) and Technology Park (MB)

i.e. Rzeszów Regional Development Agency, and in particular two of Aerospace Poland Sp. z o.o., as well as automotive sector with such its departments: Investor Support Centre, and Technology Transfer, companies as: BorgWarner Turbo Systems Poland Sp. z o.o., Lear Innovation and Informatization Centre. Corporation Sp. z o.o. and Kirchhoff Polska Sp. z o.o. The largest To meet the needs of entrepreneurs and potential investors, a num- Polish manufacturer of car tyres, Firma Oponiarska Dębica S.A. ber of special economic areas have been designated within the also operates here. On the other hand EURO–PARK WISŁOSAN Podkarpackie Region, offering preferential conditions and simplified Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone is designated for investments administrative procedures for businesses. EURO-PARK Mielec Spe- related to chemical, machine and metal industries. This economic cial Economic Zone was launched in 1995, being the first area of area is home to such companies as: Pilkington Automotive Poland this type in Poland. The leading industries here include aerospace Sp. z o.o, Federal-Mogul Sp. z o.o, Uniwheels Production Poland sector represented by such companies as PZL Mielec Sikorsky Lock- Sp. z o.o, Liugong Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o., Ikea Industry Poland heed Martin Company, MTU Aero Engines Polska Sp. z o.o., Goodrich Sp. z o.o.

Infrastructure of the Special Economic Zone in Mielec. (KU) McBraida made an investment within Aeropolis Park. (MB)

83 INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE

Research and development operations are the main driving force for of Technology. The most notable non-public higher schools of educa- innovation. Podkarpackie allocates significant funds to ensure growth tion are the University of Information Technology and Management in R&D sector, and in this category the region ranks high in Poland. in Rzeszów, and WSPiA University of Law and Public Administra- Other factors determining progress in research and development op- tion. Other schools of higher education are located in Stalowa Wola, erations include the local community, which is the youngest popula- Tarnobrzeg, Krosno, Mielec, Przemyśl, Jarosław, Sanok. The major tion in Poland. courses of education available in the region include various technical Rzeszów, the region’s capital is also the main university centre. It and engineering specializations, information technology, economics is home to the largest schools of higher education in Podkarpackie, and languages. most importantly the University of Rzeszów, and Rzeszów University

84 Centre for Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, University of Rzeszów. (KZ) Rzeszów University of Technology. (KZ)

Rzeszów University of Technology plays the leading role in support- and Transfer of Knowledge in Life Sciences and Technology, Life Sci- ing innovation-oriented operations through research and practical ences and Medical Centre for Innovation Research. In these facilities implementations in a number of areas, including automatic control as research and students’ education focus on the most advanced tech- well as mechanical engineering and aeronautics. Research operations nologies applied e.g. in aviation and in medicine. are conducted jointly with such entities and companies as the Cen- The Podkarpackie Region ranks high in the category of R&D expen- tre of Advanced Technology „AERONET - Aviation Valley” and Pratt & ditures in the business sector. The leaders in this area include the IT Whitney Rzeszów. company Asseco Poland Sp. z o.o., as well as Zelmer, Pratt & Whitney Development-oriented initiatives are also conducted by the Universi- Rzeszów, PZL Mielec Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company, Huta Sta- ty of Rzeszów. Scientific research is carried out here by such units as lowa Wola SA, and ICN Polfa Rzeszów. Centre of Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, Centre of Innovation

Flight simulator at Aviation Training Centre, Rzeszów University of Technology. (KZ) University of Rzeszów. (TP)

85 THE PLACE FOR MEETINGS IN PODKARPACKIE Exposition and Convention Centre is the largest venue to hold confer- The facility is designed to hold scientific and social events, as well ences and exhibitions in the Podkarpackie Region. It provides space as presentations of technical and technological achievements of the for meetings of the world of business, politics and science both from region. This is a perfect location for meetings with potential inves- Poland and Europe. tors, and for trainings, workshops, conferences and exhibitions. This advanced facility is an investment of the regional government. The overall value of the project amounts to nearly 155 million PLN, The strategic goal for the construction of the Exposition and Conven- including 64 million PLN subsidy from the European Regional Devel- tion Centre was to establish a platform for the transfer of ideas and opment Fund, in the framework of 2007-2013 Operational Program information, for presentation and exchange of goods, services and “Development of Eastern Poland”. technologies between local residents, entrepreneurs, researchers

86 TP Exposition and Convention Centre in Jasionka MB Bird’s eye view to the Exposition and Convention Centre, with Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in the background. (WM) as well as administration and entities representing other regions of Poland and the world. Exposition and Convention Centre in Jasionka is a multifunctional facility – the separate parts designed to hold exhibitions and confer- ences can function independently or can be used jointly as a com- bined multi-purpose space. Additionally, the pillar-free surface of the exhibition area can be adapted in varied ways to create customized space layouts to accommodate specific needs. Exposition and Convention Centre comprises, e.g. exhibition area with the total of 16,145 m2, convention hall with 872 seats, 2 large confer- ence rooms with 220 and 190 seats, restaurant room for 160 guests, banquet room for 120 guests, 13 small conference rooms, the small- est one with seats for up to 20 people, and the largest for up to 60 people, and meeting room for 33 people.

Congress Hall. (MB)

Restaurant room. (MM) Exhibition area. (PO)

87 list of contents

PODKARPACKIE INFINITE POSSIBILITIES 3

I. PODKARPACKIE – SPACE AND TIME FOR LEISURE 4 MYSTICAL LAND OF FREEDOM 6 FOLLOWING THE GREEN VELO TRAIL AND MORE 10 PODKARPACKIE SEEN FROM THE SADDLE 12 WHITE SAILS AND THE SEA OF THE BIESZCZADY 14 WINTER-TIME PODKARPACKIE! 16 ADRENALINE ZONE 18 PODKARPACKIE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY 20 TRAVEL AND EAT – ENJOY THE FLAVOURS OF PODKARPACKIE 24 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN PODKARPACKIE 28

II. THE HERITAGE OF PODKARPACKIE 32 CULTURE CONJURED IN WOOD 34 IN CASTLES, PALACES AND MANOR HOUSES… 38 MUSEUMS IN PODKARPACKIE 42 SUBCARPATHIAN TEXAS… 46 FOLLOWING THE GOOD SOLDIER ŠVEJK 48 FORTS, BUNKERS, MISSILES – MILITARY LANDMARKS OF PODKARPACKIE 50 ULMA FAMILY MUSEUM 52

III. DIALOGUE OF CULTURES IN PODKARPACKIE 54 LAND OF MANY RELIGIONS 56 PLACES OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE FOR RELIGIONS AND CULTURES 58 MUSIC AND PAINTING OF THE BORDERLAND 60 HANDICRAFT IN THE PODKARPACKIE 62 MUSIC FESTIVALS 64 GREAT NAMES OF CULTURE 66

IV. BROAD VIEW TO THE PODKARPACKIE 70 RZESZÓW 72 FOR THE LOVE OF SKY-HIGH HORIZONS 74 A WORLD-WIDE VIEW FROM PODKARPACKIE 78 POWERFUL ECONOMY 80 DEVELOPMENT WITH SUPPORT 82 INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE 84 THE PLACE FOR MEETINGS IN PODKARPACKIE 86

88 Published by:

[Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Podkarpackiego – UMWP] al. Ł. Cieplińskiego 4, 35-010 Rzeszów Promotion and Economic Cooperation Department e-mail: [email protected] www.podkarpackie.pl, www.podkarpackie.travel

First edition written and edited by: Izabela Fac, Justyna Dec

Updated Second edition Written and edited by: Rafał Baranowski, Mateusz Bartoszewicz, Alicja Wosik, Krzysztof Zajączkowski Łukasz Sikora, Anna Stróż, Krzysztof Zieliński English version – translated and updated by Jadwiga Ryba

The Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa, and Pro Carpathia Association for their contribution to this publication.

Photos: (AB) Arkadiusz Bulanda, (ABo) Agencja Bogaczewicz, (AD) Arkadiusz Dudziak, (AM) Artur Mercik, (AMW) Anita Marciniewicz-Wanarska, (AUT) archive of AUTOSAN, (arch. TS) archive of W. Siemaszkowa Theatre in Rzeszów, (CĆ) Cezary Ćwikowski, (DH) (GK) (JR) Jagoda Rymarowicz, “Stanica” Bieszczady Club for Equestrian Tourism (JW) Jan Włodarczyk, (KP) Krzysztof Pęczalski, (KU) (KZ) Krzysztof Zajączkowski, UMWP, (ŁJ) Łukasz Jaracz,(LS) Leszek Szczęch, (MB) Michał Bosek, UMWP, (MI) Mateusz Inglot, (MM) Michał Mielniczuk, UMWP, (MMi) Marcin Mituś,(MS) Marcin Scelina, Regional State Forest Management in Krosno, (MSt) Mateusz Stawarz, (MSu) Mateusz Surman, (MSz) archive of Mateusz Szpytma, (MSzw) Michał Szwerc, (MT) Maciej Terpiński, (MTU) archive of MTU Aero Engines Polska Sp. z o.o., (PGE) PGE Energia Odnawialna S.A. (PK) Piotr Kaplita, (PKa) Paweł Kasprowicz, (PL) archive of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, (PO) Patryk Ogorzałek, (PC) Piotr Cisek, (PW) ce, (P&W) archive of Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów, (PZL) archive of PZL Mielec, (RB) Rafał Baranowski, (RW) Ryszard Węglarz, (TB) Tadeusz Budziński,(TK) Tomasz Kuśnierz, (TM) Tomasz Michalski, (TMi) Tomasz Mielnik, (TO) Tomasz Okoniewski, (TP) Tadeusz Poźniak, (TR) Tomasz Rusznica, (UW) archive of Uniwheels, (WC) Waldemar Czado, (WM) Wiesław Madej, (WS) Waldek Sosnowski, (WZ) Wojciech Zatwarnicki,

Graphic design, proof-reading and prepress: RSDRUK Drukarnia, Wydawnictwo / www.rsdruk.pl Printing and binding: RSDRUK Drukarnia, Wydawnictwo / www.rsdruk.pl

Rzeszów 2016

ISBN 978-83-65293-16-9 Free copy Published by:

[Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Podkarpackiego – UMWP] al. Ł. Cieplińskiego 4, 35-010 Rzeszów Promotion and Economic Cooperation Department e-mail: [email protected] www.podkarpackie.pl, www.podkarpackie.travel

First edition written and edited by: Izabela Fac, Justyna Dec

Updated Second edition Written and edited by: Rafał Baranowski, Mateusz Bartoszewicz, Alicja Wosik, Krzysztof Zajączkowski Łukasz Sikora, Anna Stróż, Krzysztof Zieliński English version – translated and updated by Jadwiga Ryba

The Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa, and Pro Carpathia Association for their contribution to this publication.

Photos: (AB) Arkadiusz Bulanda, (ABo) Agencja Bogaczewicz, (AD) Arkadiusz Dudziak, (AM) Artur Mercik, (AMW) Anita Marciniewicz-Wanarska, (AUT) archive of AUTOSAN, (arch. TS) archive of W. Siemaszkowa Theatre in Rzeszów, (CĆ) Cezary Ćwikowski, (DH) (GK) (JR) Jagoda Rymarowicz, “Stanica” Bieszczady Club for Equestrian Tourism (JW) Jan Włodarczyk, (KP) Krzysztof Pęczalski, (KU) (KZ) Krzysztof Zajączkowski, UMWP, (ŁJ) Łukasz Jaracz,(LS) Leszek Szczęch, (MB) Michał Bosek, UMWP, (MI) Mateusz Inglot, (MM) Michał Mielniczuk, UMWP, (MMi) Marcin Mituś,(MS) Marcin Scelina, Regional State Forest Management in Krosno, (MSt) Mateusz Stawarz, (MSu) Mateusz Surman, (MSz) archive of Mateusz Szpytma, (MSzw) Michał Szwerc, (MT) Maciej Terpiński, (MTU) archive of MTU Aero Engines Polska Sp. z o.o., (PGE) PGE Energia Odnawialna S.A. (PK) Piotr Kaplita, (PKa) Paweł Kasprowicz, (PL) archive of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, (PO) Patryk Ogorzałek, (PC) Piotr Cisek, (PW) ce, (P&W) archive of Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów, (PZL) archive of PZL Mielec, (RB) Rafał Baranowski, (RW) Ryszard Węglarz, (TB) Tadeusz Budziński,(TK) Tomasz Kuśnierz, (TM) Tomasz Michalski, (TMi) Tomasz Mielnik, (TO) Tomasz Okoniewski, (TP) Tadeusz Poźniak, (TR) Tomasz Rusznica, (UW) archive of Uniwheels, (WC) Waldemar Czado, (WM) Wiesław Madej, (WS) Waldek Sosnowski, (WZ) Wojciech Zatwarnicki,