Podkarpackie. Infinite possibilities.

Podkarpackie infinite possibilities podkarpackie.eu

POD KARPA CKIE

infinite possibilities

WIS

ŁA

Podkarpackie – infinite possibilities

STALOWA WOLA TARNOBRZEG

NISKO SA N

Baranów Sandom.

Ulanów

Rudnik n. Sanem WIS

Nowa Dęba

A ŁOK

Jeżowe Narol

Nowa Sarzyna Kamień MIELEC

Cmolas Adamówka

Cieszanów

LEŻAJSK

KOLBUSZOWA Sokołów Małopolski Przecław

Horyniec Zdrój

Głogów Małopolski

Oleszyce

Jasionka

A4

Radruż

Sieniawa

W

K ISŁO

SAN

LUBACZÓW

Gniewczyna Łańcucka

SĘDZISZÓW MAŁOPOLSKI ŁAŃCUT

Budomierz –Hruszówiec

JAROSŁAW

PRZEWORSK

ROPCZYCE

DĘBICA

RZESZÓW BOGUCHWAŁA

Kańczuga

Radymno

Pilzno

A4

Tyczyn

Korczowa–Krakow

Wielopole Skrzyńskie STRZYŻÓW

KA

Frysztak

W

Błażowa

Niebylec

K ISŁO

Dubiecko

Dynów

SAN

Domaradz JASŁO

Nozdrzec Krasiczyn

Tarnowiec

PRZEMYŚL

Medyka–Szeginie

Bircza

BRZOZÓW KROSNO

Osiek Jasielski

Nowy Żmigród

Iwonicz Zdrój

Arłamów

SAN

Dukla

W IS ŁO KA

Kotań

POLAND

Bóbrka

SANOK Rymanów Zdrój

EUROPE

Tyrawa Wołoska

Zagórz

Krempna JA S

Barwinek

LESKO IOŁ

KA

W

IS

ŁO

AW A

ŁO

K

SŁ

IS

Myczkowce

SAN

USTRZYKI DOLNE

Krościenko–Smolnica

O

W

Solina Polańczyk

Komańcza

POLAND

Baligród

Lutowiska Wola Michowa Cisna

Wetlina Ustrzyki Górne

PODKARPACKIE

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he Region of Podkarpackie – a gateway to the European Union, land of modern economy, unpolluted natural environment, wealth of culture, and… opportunities. Here, innovative technologies of aerospace, information and automotive industries come side by side with active leisure, mountain adventures, multiculturalism and creativity. International airport, EU border crossings, East-West motorway, areas designated for investments and resources of well-educated young people are the reasons why global companies bring their business here. And after work? Anything goes!

From the atmosphere of urban cafeterias, pubs, theatres, and concerts, to recreation activities on the ground, on the water and in the air, amidst wildlife, Carpathian landscapes, and legends of the Bieszczady and Beskid Niski. On top of that, one can absorb the culture, architecture and art of the borderland, and find time and place for leisure, creativity and taking bird’s eye view of the hectic world, from above.

Located in the south-east of Poland, the Podkarpackie Region comprises an area of 18,000 km² and has a population of over 2 million. Its neighbours include Slovakia in the south, and Ukraine in the east – across the external border of the European Union. This is also the cross-roads for the trading routes of Central Europe. The motorway linking Western and Eastern Europe, Via Carpathia designed to connect North and South in the future, as well as the modern airport with international passenger and cargo terminals are the reason why operations of numerous manufacturing, trading and logistics companies are located here. The region’s capital with a population of nearly 200,000, Rzeszów is a vibrant, youthful and modern city, one of the most rapidly growing urban agglomerations in Poland. This is also home to the Aviation Valley.

Aerospace, information, and automotive industry as well as quality of life are four smart specializations of the Podkarpackie; they determine the directions for the region’s economic growth. Clean, ecological farming, healthy traditional food, and a wealth of natural and cultural assets as well as tourist attractions contribute to the fact that Podkarpackie is an excellent place to live at.

1. Acrobatics in the sky during the Podkarpackie Air Show (KZ)

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Space and time for leisure

Podkarpackie is an excellent choice for those who want to take a break from hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to places of natural beauty, where the time slows down.

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podkarpackie.eu

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

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ou are invited for an unusual tour of the Podkarpackie. You will learn about the most beautiful corners of the Region and the multitude of leisure-time options; you will find out where you can get the taste of delicious traditional cuisine. First we will take a plunge into the wilderness of the Bieszczady, follow the trails in the Low Beskids and discover the magic of the Roztocze Highland. We will cruise Lake Solina and explore the Region’s most impressive landmarks.

We will tell you about a range of options in store for those who decide to spend some time in Podkarpackie. Enthusiasts of active recreation will have a good time here throughout the year. Hiking along the mountain trails, horse-riding tours, bike trips, sailing or gliding – all these options are at the reach of your hand. And in winter? In the region there are about 30 ski lifts, and dozens of routes for cross-country skiing and ski touring. And if you prefer vacation in quiet places, 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 explore the region itself, Podkarpackie is a “green paradise”. Indeed, 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 relics of Sandomierz and Carpathian primeval forests, a rarity elsewhere. Wildlife can be admired in two national

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parks: Bieszczady and Magura. There are also 10 landscape reserves, 13 areas of protected landscape, 94 nature reserves and thousands of natural monuments.

This is a region of Poland with the least polluted environment. Majority of farms here grow healthy, organic crops and local food producers are leaders in the number of the registered regional products. Local wines are also worth tasting.

Here you will meet friendly people whose openness results from the centuries of harmonious co-existence of many cultures.

Podkarpackie is an excellent choice for those who want to take a break from hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to places of natural beauty, where the time slows down. Here you can forget about troubles, put things in the right perspective, and even redefine your life.

1. On the previous spread: Panoramic view of Lake Solina from Jawor Mountain.

Western Bieszczady in the background (ŁB) 2. Equestrian tourism in Podkarpacie is a very popular way of spending free time (KZ) 3. Lake Solina is a paradise for sailors (KZ)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

Only here can one encounter such inaccessible places and real wilderness, resembling genuine primeval forests.

Mystical land of freedom The Bieszczady Mountains are the most recognizable area of the Podkarpackie Region. Shrouded in legends, for years they have attracted tourists from all over Poland. Those seeking tranquillity more and more often choose the enchanting landscapes of the Low Beskids and Eastern Roztocze Highland.

The Bieszczady Mountains are a part of the Eastern Carpathians, they stretch on the borderland between Poland and Ukraine. The Polish part from the west closes

with the Łupków Pass, in the east with the Uzsok Pass, in the north the mountains reach Lesko and Ustrzyki Dolne. Extending from the Tylicka Pass to the Łupków Pass, there is the widest and at the same time the lowest range of the Beskids aptly named the Low Beskids, with gentle slopes and dense forests. The uniqueness of this area, is linked with the exceptional wealth of its natural environment with an incredible number and diversity of species of flora and fauna. Only here can one encounter

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1. Dahany, Eastern Roztocze Highlands (TM) 2. Bieszczady Mountains, Mount Połonina Caryńska (KPs) 3. The Low Beskids (WC)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

such inaccessible places and real wilderness, resembling genuine primeval forests. Indeed, here you can wander for hours without meeting even one person.

The Eastern Roztocze Highland is partly located within Podkarpackie, and more specifically in the District of Lubaczów. This area is gaining popularity among those who want to avoid hordes of tourists. What does Roztocze hold in store? First of all it amazes with its wildlife, and beautiful landscapes dotted with absolute treasures of wooden architecture, such as the tserkovs in Radruż and Gorajec. Those interested in history can follow the trail of bunkers along the Molotov Line, relics of the unusual events which once took place in this region. Famous people linked with Roztocze include St. Brother Albert and King John III Sobieski.

The natural environment of the Bieszczady, the Low Beskids and Roztocze is a magical world, combining wildness with harmony, it is a world of fascinating impressions, and at the same time a peaceful and quiet area. Each tourist will find here the emotions they dream of.

Hiking trips along the Sub-Carpathian trails leave enduring memories. Echoes of these can be encountered in innumerable poems and songs recalling “the Land of Placidity”. The appeal of the Bieszczady also lies in stories created by generations of travellers, legends of the enchanted and secret places, and tales about the sense of endless freedom.

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In Podkarpackie, the mountain trails lead through areas which enchant enthusiasts of walking tours not only with unforgettable views from mountain grasslands and summits, but also with the abundance of flora and fauna.

Those into more intense sensations, venturing into the natural beech forest, can encounter a wisent, lynx, or even a bear. Yet, the Bieszczady Mountains are not only home to big predators; this is also natural habitat for a large variety of birds. This is a rich world of colourful insects, rare species of amphibians, and obviously variety of mosses, lichens and flowering plants. The primeval environment of the Bieszczady is a per fect 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 Pr zemyśl Foothill s, Słonne Mountains and Roztocze can also be recommended as they lead to landmarks of material culture, and places of historical importance.

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1. Wisent can be observed in Muczne Wisent Enclosure (GL) 2. Water cascades on River Tanew, Eastern Roztocze Highlands (TMi) 3. 90 per cent of the Polish population of bears live in Podkarpacie (GL) 4. Lynx - Symbol of the Bieszczady National Park (GL) 5. European Bee-eaters – colourful birds found in Podkarpacie.

They are under strict protection of species (MK)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

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Following the Green Velo Trail and more D o yo u trave l on t wo wh e e l s? Fe e l inv ite d! D ive r sif ie d l an dsc ap e of Podkarpackie is perfect for various kinds of cycling tourism: road cycling, mountain biking or family rides. All together there are over 6,800 kilometres of bike trails in the region.

The most popular is the Green Velo Eastern Cycle Trail. The route leading through the entire Eastern Poland, is over 450 kilometres long in Podkarpackie.

It starts in the Roztocze Highland where bikers are greeted by the town of Narol featuring the Palace of the Łoś family and then by Horyniec Zdrój spa resort, beyond which the finest attractions of the area await: the unique wooden tserkovs in Radruż and Chotyniec, both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. Once you pass by the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce you enter Przemyśl, a town with one thousand year long history, churches of various denominations, historical town square, unique museums, Casimir Castle and the Fortress Bike Trail. Further on, the route leads by the Renaissance Castle in Krasiczyn towards the Valley of River San through the Carpathian Foothills.

Once you reach Rzeszów, it is worth turning your attention to the Town

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Square with the stylish Town Hall and the Underground Tourist Route. If you turn towards Łańcut, you must visit the castle there. Then you pass by Leżajsk, attracting with the view of Bernardine Basilica famous for its pipe organs, and you reach places known for local traditions: Rudnik upon San, known for basketry and Ulanów, Polish capital of barging. Along the route, there are roofed stops as well as farms, guesthouses, inns and restaurants, approved by Green Velo, and waiting for bikers.

From Green Velo you can travel along hundreds of kilometres of other bike trails. On your way towards the Bieszczady you can follow Green Bicycle – Eastern Carpathian Greenway. Many bikers also follow the Good Soldier Svejk and visit the trail of Bunkers along the San. In the Low Beskids there are picturesque bike routes called the Valley of Wisłok, Ethnographic Trail and SpaResorts Route. Around many cities and towns there are numerous scenic routes and bike paths leading to major landmarks.

If you like to feel breeze in your hair, the scents of forests and fields and the freedom of two-wheeled journey you are invited to Podkarpackie, land of opportunities. Land for cycling.

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1. The Dynów Plateau (KP) 2. Palace of the Poniński family in Horyniec Zdrój (KP) 3. Pogórze is an ideal place for family bike trips (MB)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

Podkarpackie – seen from the saddle Podkarpackie is a dream place for equestrian tourism – wide open spaces, vast forests, varied terrain, and a multitude of equestrian centres and horse-riding trails.

What is more… we have our own legend of cowboys from the Bieszczady: Jędrek “Połonina” Wasielewski, Lutek Pińczuk, Ryszard “Prezes” Krzeszewski and Adam “Rudy” Rymarowicz. Because of all this, a tour of our region with a view from the saddle – is an unforgettable experience.

On horseback you can take a ride for just a few hours or a tour lasting for many days. Saddle horses will take you to places which are hardly accessible for quads,

off-road vehicles or even on foot. What is more, horse is an environment-friendly means of transport – it does not make noise or damage roads, and it is powered by “natural fuel”. For many city dwellers, a little bit of time in the company of this wise and strong animal is an opportunity to retreat from their hectic lives in a large agglomeration. The obvious barrier results from the fact that equestrian tourism requires at least rudimentary riding skills, yet more and more people come here to acquire them. Those with less experience can travel, e.g. in a wagon during horse riding tours.

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In the Low Beskids and Bieszczady there are places which specialize in breeding Hucul horses – old, wild breed

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1. Hucul ponies in the Bieszczady Mountains (WS) 2. Equestrian tourism in Bieszczady (WS) 2

Predominantly used in equestrian tourism in Podkarpackie, Małopolska horses are known for high endurance and good temper, they can cope with any type of terrain and with their build are suitable even for tall, stalwart riders. In the Low Beskids and Bieszczady there are places which specialize in breeding Hucul horses – old, wild breed particularly suitable for hippotherapy, and for use by children and beginning horse riders. Horses other than those owned by the Bieszczady National Park can be brought into the Park only if an adequate permit has been obtained.

Here tourists can also take rides in horse-drawn carts.

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3. 90 stud farms operate in Podkarpacie (KZ)

The uniquely picturesque sights here include westernstyle cattle drives organized in the Low Beskids, herds of Hucul ponies in meadows of the Bieszczady and winter-time sleigh rides. A truly spectacular event is the Horse Fair in Lutowiska, attended by aficionados from all over the Bieszczady. Equestrian centres operate also throughout the Carpathian Foothills, and even in the north of the region. In many places you can see cavalry shows, historical re-enactments, show jumping and “Hucul path” competitions, and in Łańcut – one of the world’s largest aristocratic coach houses.

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

White sails and the sea of the Bieszczady For tourists the Bieszczady do not only mean the world of forests, mountain grasslands, wilderness, and tireless wandering, but also white sails, kayaks and recreation by the water. Once generally unattractive for tourists, after the construction of the Solina Dam in the 1960s, this foothill area gradually transformed into a particularly charming place. Lake Solina amazes with its changing landscapes and rare scenic beauty. Surrounded by steep hills, the lake with its calm water is a mirror for the blue sky and the mysterious forests around. The picturesque surface of the lake goes with the irregular shoreline which takes the form of numerous quaint little bays, cutting deep into the forests, and producing the unique romantic atmosphere of the place.

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1. Polańczyk (MP) 2. A beach in Polańczyk (TO) 3. Autumn sunrise over Lake Solina (ŁB) 2

4. Regatta on Lake Solina (KZ)

Lake Solina is a perfect place for those into water sports; here you can bathe, take a leisurely trip along the shore in a kayak or a paddle boat, or learn the difficult, but beautiful art of sailing. No other body of water in Poland is as demanding and as rewarding for sailors.

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 numerous 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.

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Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

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Winter-time Podkarpackie!

Winter in Podkarpackie is an amazing time with the Bieszczady and Low Beskids all dressed in white, and the Carpathian Forest looking like a land from fairy tales. And for those into active recreation –skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, skating, sled dog racing… anything goes!

Ski freaks can choose from about 30 ski-lifts throughout the region. There you can have fun in safety and for affordable prices, avoiding crowded holiday resorts. Recognized as “wintertime capital of the Bieszczady”, Ustrzyki Dolne has two recreation centres, Gromadzyń and Laworta, with chairlift and an opportunity to participate in Alpine skiing competitions. You will also “get a chairlift” to the top of Mount Kiczera in the Low Beskids. Along with T-bar lifts and Snowpark, it comprises a system of three-kilometre long downhill routes and four-kilometre long cross-country trails. Scenic chairlift rides can also be taken in Przemyśl. Here winter-time recreation can be combined with visit to the beautiful town on River San, with lots of multicultural landmarks, and quaint little streets.

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Another place worth visiting, Arłamów has one of Europe’s most modern and largest hotel and recreation centres. Two ski-lifts and three gentle downhill routes make it an excellent winter-time place for a family weekend in luxur y. Family atmosphere can also be enjoyed in recreation centres in Weremień and Kalnica in the Bieszczady, in Chyrowa near Dukla, and in Łętownia in the Carpathian Foothills. Most slopes are illuminated, provided with artificial snow and groomed; there are rental places, equipment maintenance services and skiing and snowboarding schools.

Those into ski jumping should visit Zagórz in the Bieszczady where they can enjoy time in a complex of ski jumping hills known as the first training site of some members of the Polish national team. The nearby town of Sanok, the best place for ice skating in Podkarpackie, has an indoors skating rink operating throughout the year, and a track for speed skating.

Mountain forests are an excellent place for cross-country skiing and ski-touring. Dozens of trails have been delineated in the Bieszczady alone. Nordic skis can be used to get to the foot of Mount Tarnica or to Połonina Wetlińska, and cross-country skis can be used in areas near Stuposiany, Wetlina and Ustrzyki Dolne, which witnessed the first victories of Justyna Kowalczyk. In many places you can rent snowshoes for hiking trips, take part in sleigh rides or exciting snowmobile tours. Also organized in winter, sled dog races give you a whiff of Alaska.

Adrenaline junkies can try snow-gliding, a combination of paragliding and skiing. Real “snow extravaganza”.

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1. Chatka Puchatka shelter on Połonina Wetlińska, Bieszczady (KS) 2. The Bieszczady Mountains, Połonina Caryńska (CK) 3. Ski-tour route in Bieszczady (TR) 4. Snowgliding – combination of skiing and paragliding (AB)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

Adrenaline zone Panoramas seen from a bird’s-eye view elicit emotions that have previously been unknown to us. A sense of unlimited space and sky-high freedom “gives you wings”. Air travel does not only mean adrenaline rush, it is also an opportunity to see what has previously been inaccessible. A look towards the hills of the Bieszczady from this perspective brings to mind a fragment of Vladimir Vysotsky’s song saying that more beautiful than mountains can only be other mountains…

In the Podkarpackie Region it is possible to experience such adventures as flying a plane, gliding or paragliding.

In the region there are seven aero clubs offering tours by plane, or ultra-light trike and paraglider flights, as well as parachuting and gliding courses.

Wonderful terrain, good technical facilities, as well as professional training personnel will enable those fond of air tours to enjoy their favourite form of relaxation.

The glider landing site in Bezmiechowa, recognized as the cradle of Polish gliding, has become part of the aviation traditions of the region. The place is known for

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wave-like and ascending air currents, rarely encountered elsewhere. These enable fast ascent and long-lasting flights. The uniqueness of air turbulences in this region is for instance reflected by an event from 1938 when a glider flown by Tadeusz Góra covered a distance of over 577 km. Starting from Bezmiechowa, the pilot flew as far as the outskirts of Vilnius, setting a record which for years remained unbeaten.

Adrenaline rush can also be experienced by those watching Podkarpackie Air Shows which are regularly organized in the region. Those into aviation can also watch Mountain Balloon Competitions in Krosno. On the latter occasion the sky in the area for a few days remains concealed behind a plethora of colourful balloons.

Tourists seeking strong emotions and adventures can also spend their time driving quads, off-road vehicles and amphibious vehicles.

Abseiling and crossing precipices or rushing rivers over a so-called “Panama bridge” is also quite popular.

Amateurs of climbing can test their abilities in rocky areas

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of Podkarpackie. Great adventures are also guaranteed by trapper-style tourism – sleeping outdoors, washing in cold water, starting fires without matches, or simply – the art of survival. Trips of this kind are a great test of tourists’ endurance.

Enthusiasts of water tourism will definitely enjoy water trails leading through the areas of the Przemyśl and Strzyżów Foothills. The most popular routes follow the lovely river valleys of the San and Osława. The “Błękitny San” water trail is particularly noteworthy as it can be covered in a canoe, pontoon or a raft. The amazing river bends and ravines, as well as the highland and lowland sections with varied degree of difficulty attract more and more canoeists. Boating trips can also lead through the Słonne Mountains Landscape Reserve. The rivers of the Podkarpackie with their scenic beauty and rapid current, are as attractive as the popular Dunajec river. So, it may be a good idea to check whether you can travel the rapid and foaming rivers of the Podkarpackie in a canoe without capsizing in the cool water.

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1. International Mountain Balloon Competition in Krosno (MB) 2. Podkarpackie Air Show (MB) 3. Bike Town in Przemyśl (AMw) 4. Climbing (MB)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

The Podkarpackie Region, with its unpolluted air and environment, friendly climate and ample resources of healing waters is, indeed, perfect for this kind of recreation.

Podkarpackie for your health and beauty Amidst this hectic world, we all more and more often look for some time off, and a place where we can chill out, restore our strength, health and beauty, and recharge our batteries. It is not surprising, then, that spahealth resorts as well as wellness & spa centres enjoy growing popularity. The Podkarpackie Region, with its unpolluted air and environment, friendly climate and ample resources of healing waters is, indeed, perfect for this kind of recreation.

Even in the previous centuries our ancestors recognized the curative assets of Iwonicz, Rymanów and Horyniec

Spa Resorts. The healing properties of spring waters from Iwonicz were known all over the country a few hundred years ago, and appreciated by renowned royal physicians, for instance taking care of Queen Marie Casimire Sobieska, King Vladislaus IV Vasa, King of France Louis XIV. During its heyday in the latter half of the 1800s, Iwonicz Zdrój was visited by Polish people and guests from Austria, Hungary, Russia and Bohemia.

The small town has retained the unique looks of a spa resort, with the classicist and Art Nouveau sanatorium buildings which today rank among the architectural

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1. Arłamów Hotel**** (HA) 2. Professional beauty treatments (MT) 3. Arłamów Hotel**** (MB)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

jewels of the region. Despite the damage of war, Iwonicz known as “prince of iodine waters” is a constantly growing holiday resort, expanding options on offer for guests and recognized with numerous awards.

The career of the nearby Rymanów started in the late 19th century. In 1877 health promoting properties of local mineral waters were confirmed in a laboratory in Vienna. After that sanatorium buildings and spa houses started popping up like mushrooms. Frequented by members of princely families, artists, writers, the place used to be a vibrant centre of social and cultural life. Today, Rymanów is famous not only for its stylish architecture, but also for three mineral water springs, Tytus, Celestyna and Klaudia, named after three members of the family formerly owning the spa resort. It was once particularly known as a health resort for children, but today the offer is designed for guests of all ages.

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 he became the King of Poland, John III Sobieski used to come hunting here and he would take baths in the local mineral water whose healing properties had been known earlier. Towards the end of the 1800s a baths complex was established here, and the first guests started coming to Horyniec. Today the resources of Horyniec Zdrój include 14 mineral water springs and fine quality therapeutic mud. It is the unique healing effects of the latter that mainly attract individuals suffering from rheumatic diseases, joint injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, who come here from all over Poland and from abroad. The group

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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 of 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. In 2018 the village of Latoszyn, near Dębica, regained a status of spa resort, owing to the unique healing water with high contents sulphides and hydrogen sulphides.

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 relaxation in luxury and excellent cuisine – something for the body, something for the soul and something for the palate…

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1. Inside a pump room in Iwonicz (KZ) 2. Grand Hotel**** (MMi) 3. Iwonicz Zdrój, former Bazar Hotel (KZ) 4. Iwonicz Zdrój, pump room (KZ) 5. Inside a pump room in Rymanów-Zdrój (MB)

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Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

Travel and eat – enjoy the flavours of Podkarpackie Our Region has a lot of other attractions, besides the wooden churches, splendid palaces, wilderness of the Bieszczady and Low Beskids, and the unstained natural environment of the Roztocze Highland. Is it not true that, for food lovers, a visit to Renaissance and Baroque palaces will be even more appealing if they can get the taste of old Polish cuisine and the flavour of game dishes? Are there any culinary travellers who will not enjoy a bowlful of simple, yet delicious food based on traditional recipes of the Bojko or Lemko peoples? And what joy will it be for those into healthy foods to savour a slice of spelt bread with honeydew honey, both produced locally in this unpolluted environment? Travel and Eat – this simple motto is an encouragement to try the culinary delights on offer in the taverns, inns, joints and roadhouses in the Foothill regions, the Kolbuszowa Lowlands and Eastern Roztocze.

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Today the itinerary does not only depend on prices but also on the quality, variety and authenticity of experiences on offer. Night in an unusual place, exciting adventures, and – quite often – stunning dishes determine whether or not travellers see their vacation as a success. The changing motivations for travelling and the desire for unusual and unique experiences result in a demand for novel tourist products. Visitors are not only interested in how much they have to pay, but also where and what they can eat. Traditional cuisine, being part of our region’s history, is an important aspect from the viewpoint of holidaymakers. Travelling is an occasion to take a bite of something new, or to go back to flavours which we once found delightful.

T he Region is a place of dynamically growing enotourism. Nearly 160 vineyards, comprising an area of 150 hectares, were established by people who started as hobbyists, and only later became professional wine makers. Dozens of those vineyards are open to visitors, who can taste red, pink and white wines marked with the sign of “Podkarpackie”.

Journeys “in search of flavours” are a special form of tourism, which is more and more popular worldwide. Regional dishes, drinks and specialties are no longer simply a delicious extra to the travelling experiences, but instead they may be the real purpose of the trip. Original and interesting cuisine frequently is the determining factor in choosing the destination. Expert globetrotters can be attracted to this 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 served by local people in agri-tourist farms; these are made by housewives, from local products, following the recipes left

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1. Fuczki - dish made of pancake batter mixed with shredded sauerkraut (TP) 2. Nearly 160 vineyards in the region – a sign that enotourism is becoming an integral part of Podkarpackie landscape (TP) 3. Varieties of honey from Podkarpackie will satisfy the most refined tastes (KZ)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

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by their mothers and grandmothers. By exploring their cooking traditions one can get better understanding of the local populations and their lifestyles.

Contemporary cuisine of Podkarpackie eagerly draws on old recipes, showing that the coexistence of numerous nations and ethnic groups has produced interesting mixture of flavours.

Here on the menu you will find such exotic names as proziaki, amoniaczki, chrupaczki, dereń kiszony, futomski bulwiok, knysze, krupiak, kruszon, hreczanyki, fuczki, łewesz, małdrzyki and stolniki which constitute the foundation of our culinary traditions.

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1. Hreczanyki – cutlets of buckwheat with meat and spices (TP) 2. Podkarpackie varieties of cheese (TP) 3. Przekładaniec. A recipe from the Tyszkiewicz estate in Werynia.

Made of bread and pork (TP) 4. Podkarpackie has added the most products to the National list of traditional products of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZ) 3

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It is a good idea to follow the Podkarpackie Culinary Trail which promotes our regional cuisine. It leads to places which offer ethnic dishes of the Lemko, Bojko, Pogórzanie and Lasowiacy peoples, as well as old-nobility style delicacies once served in aristocratic mansions and palaces, or meals based on traditional recipes of Armenian, Tartar, Jewish, German and Ukrainian people who, for centuries, have been part of the history of this land.

You are invited to explore the region’s culinary traditions which have and will always continue to inspire new generations of cooks and chefs.

5. Traditional dumplings (pierogi) (KZ)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

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Tourist attractions in Podkarpackie Bieszczady Forest Train “Old choo choo train is rushing along the winding way.

Greetings say the noisy stream, wood and bay…” the words of this scout song describe the journey by the old steam train through the areas of the Ciśniańsko–Wetliński Landscape Reserve. The narrow-gauge railway is one of 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.

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Glass Heritage Centre G lass works of ar t from Krosno decorate, among others, the courts of Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos, 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 of this interactive exposition you can participate in presentations of glass production and decoration processes.

Underneath Lake Solina 2

The dam on Lake Solina is one of the most distinctive features of Podkarpackie. The promenade along the top of the dam offers excellent view of the nearby areas so it is extremely popular with tourists. 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 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.

Arboretum in Bolestraszyce 3

One of the valuable landmarks of nature and culture in Podkarpackie, located north-east of Przemyśl, is the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce, where in the area of 28.2 hectares, history meets with modern times. The historical establishment, comprising a park and a manor house, in the mid-1800s was home to the renowned painter, Piotr Michałowski. Ancient trees from old mansion gardens look picturesque among younger trees, which include species native to Poland and those brought from abroad, as well as shrubs and rare, endangered or protected plants. Visitors can admire over 3,500 trees, shrubs, evergreens and greenhouse plants.

There are over 100 species of apple and pear trees; there are also Cornelian cherries, lime trees, chestnuts and yews. The place is famous for its collection of azaleas.

The Arboretum is a reference to the old landscaping traditions in Galicia; the most notable gardens were those in Sieniawa and Pełkinie, Zarzecze, Dubiecko and Medyka, former nests of grand aristocratic families.

1. Bieszczady Forest Train (MB) 2. Glass Heritage Centre in Krosno (KZ) 3. The Solina Dam (TP) 4

4. Arboretum in Bolestraszyce (WS)

Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure

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 carefully recreated miniature models of wooden structures of Greek-Catholic and Orthodox tserkovs as well as RomanCatholic 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.

Kresowa Osada – Borderland Settlement Those fond of histor y, traditional food and active tourism should visit the thematic village which refers to cultural diversity of Kresy, the historical borderland of the Republic of Poland before WWII. Kresowa Osada in Basznia Dolna comprises a few thematic areas. Waiting for those interested in traditional Galician cuisine there is a stylish rural tavern where during major outdoor events guests can get the taste of Kresy-style food. The Gallery of Local History presents a multimedia exposition related to campaigns led by Hetman Sobieski against Tartars; there is also a virtual dressing room where you can try

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historical clothes. Here you can admire artefacts related to the history of crystal glass factory formerly operating in the nearby village of Huta Kryształowa (literally CrystalWorks). 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.

Rail-Cycle Draisine in the Bieszczady Those seeking exciting adventures are invited for an unusual journey following one of the most beautiful railway lines in Poland. The charms of the over 140-yearold track no. 108, leading to magical corners of the Bieszczady, can be experienced during a trip by draisines which, just like bikes, are powered with the strength of muscles. The project, in Polish called Bieszczadzkie Drezyny Rowerowe, operates a rental place, the largest in the country and designed in a stylish manner. It has rapidly gained thousands of fans and has become one of the greatest attractions in the Bieszczady. Confirming this, Certificate for the best tourist product of year 2015 was awarded by the Polish Tourist Organization. Was it justified? You must see for yourself!

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1. Town Square in Rzeszow (MB) 2. Kresowa Osada – Borderland Settlement in Basznia Dolna (MB) 3. Rail-Cycle Draisine in Bieszczady (AD) 4. Miniatures Park at the Centre of Ecumenical Culture in Myczkowce (KZ)

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Town Square and Underground Tourist Route in Rzeszów Located within the old part of Rzeszów, the Town Square with the Town Hall and a 17th century water well, today has a slightly different layout than the original 15th century Square. Only three of its sides are lined with townhouses which, over the ages, were subjected to numerous alterations. At present they hold hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, museums and other institutions.

In the summer the stage in front of the Town Hall hosts performances of well-known singers, bands as well as song and dance ensembles. One of the highlights here is house no. 19. Fragments of brick and stone walls

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and ceilings as well as Gothic ogival arches, discovered underneath the building, suggest the house dates from the late 15th/early 16th century. These and other relics can be seen along the 369-metre long Underground Tourist Route below the Town Square. It leads to 25 cellars and 15 corridors, going down to the level of 10 metres below the surface; their names refer to their former purpose and to the town’s history. During the tour you will see relics of medieval walls, traces of fire, remnants of iron bars and hinges, secret passages, and more. The lower floors were once used as cold storage of goods, and during Tartar invasions and wars the cellars provided shelter for residents of the town.

The heritage of Podkarpackie

The heritage of Podkarpackie also includes many castles and palaces, remembering such grand families as the Lubomirski, Potocki, Krasicki, Czartoryski, Mniszech and others.

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podkarpackie.eu

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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P

odkarpackie is a land of rich and multicultural heritage. It was a sensation in Poland and around the world when graves of Przeworsk Culture were discovered. The most recognisable symbol of archaeologists’ achievements is the Bronze Age settlement in Trzcinica near Jasło, known as Carpathian Troy. Today, partly reconstructed, it is open to visitors. In one breath we should also mention the hill of Horodyszcze in Trepcza near Sanok, famous around the world for the discovery of pure gold encolpions with pieces of meteorite.

Found across the region, the Wooden Architecture Route leads to churches, the oldest of which summoned the faithful to prayer in the 1400s. Inside one can contemplate old polychromies, ancient baptismal fonts and surprising works of art such as sculptures from Master Veit Stoss atelier, in a humble church in Brzeziny. One should also take a look at the wooden small-town buildings in Kalwaria Pacławska, Pruchnik upon San or Mrzygłód.

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 which have survived, bearing witness to the culture of nobility once living here. There are some parks, gardens or farm buildings that have resisted the time.

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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 Podkarpackie is the cradle of world oil industry.

The region was not bypassed by wars. Many of the castles, churches, and monasteries were designed as defensive structures. In the mid-1800s, works were initiated to build the Przemyśl Fortress, the third largest defensive structure in Europe. It consisted of terrestrial fortification, bulwarks and artillery stands. Scattered across Podkarpackie, there are cemeteries of soldiers killed during both world wars, as well as obelisks and monuments commemorating those horrific times. You might also want to visit the place where the Nazis worked on the V-1 and V-2 rockets, in the village of Blizna near Dębica, as well as the nearby labour camp in Pustków.

Finally, it should be mentioned that Podkarpackie won over the heart of Jaroslav Hašek, who used it as a setting for the last volume of his most famous book. As a result today we can travel along the tourist trail called Following the Good Soldier Švejk, and in Przemyśl or Sanok, sit with him on a bench and rub his nose – because it brings luck!

1. On the previous spread: Krasiczyn Castle and Park complex (MB) 2. Świątkowa Wielka.

Polychromes at Greek-Catholic tserkov of St. Archangel Michael from 1757 (KZ) 3. Manor house from Krzeczowice in the Pastewnik open-air museum in Przeworsk (KZ)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

Culture conjured in wood Podkarpackie is such a place in Europe, where thanks to the mixture of diverse cultures, in a relatively small area we can see numerous monuments of wooden sacred and secular architecture. Here we can find examples of Gothic churches, Orthodox and Greek-Catholic tserkovs, historical manor houses, hunting lodges, townhouses with arcades, as well as spa villas. Even though time and history were merciless to some, whatever is left today enchants with architectural detail, picturesque settings

and interior ornaments. That is why, those wooden riches must be taken care of, but at the same time they need to be shown and promoted, because only then will these treasures still be vibrant with life, and the delighted eyes of experts and tourists will rediscover their unique beauty „conjured in wood”.

There is a unique charm in the smell of wood, aroma of incense, creaking of old floors, and the mysterious twilight inside the small wooden churches and tserkovs.

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Even though time and history were merciless to some, whatever is left today enchants with architectural detail, picturesque settings and interior ornaments.

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1. Museum of Folk Architecture in Sanok (WD) 2. Cmolas. Wooden church of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, from 1674 (KZ) 3. Inside a cottage from Budziwรณj, in the open-air exposition in Kolbuszowa (KZ)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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Their delightful beauty, hidden amidst trees, contains the history of this region. In the wooden architecture there is something fascinating, a feeling of tranquillity and meditation.

Visitors are also invariably impressed by the wooden hunting lodge of the Potocki family in Julin, the larch manor house in Trześniów, spa buildings in Iwonicz Zdrój, wooden small-town buildings in Pruchnik , Mrzygłód, or Kalwaria Pacławska, as well as the original presbytery representing the Zakopane style in Dydnia.

We m us t n ot fo rg et ab o ut th e re gio n’s o p e n-air expositions of wooden artefacts: the Museum of Folk Culture in Kolbuszowa with complete wooden buildings from villages of the ethnographic groups of Laskowiacy and Rzeszowiacy; the Museum of Rural Architecture in Sanok, ranking among Europe’s most impressive sites of this type, continuously enlarged, currently holding over 100 wooden buildings from the areas of PolishRuthenian borderland; and the Museum of the Kresy

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4. Smolnik. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of St. Archangel Michael from 1791, representing Bojko style (KZ) 1. Inside a church in Blizne (KZ) 2. Inside the Greek-Catholic tserkov in Smolnik (KZ)

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

3. Iconostasis in Greek-Catholik tserkov in Chotyniec (KZ)

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

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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Borderland in Lubaczów. These are just a few examples of the wooden treasures of the region.

T h e h i s to r i c a l wo o d e n l a n d m a r k s a re s c at te re d throughout the region, and many of them have been included onto the Wooden Architecture Route of the Podkarpackie.

Notably, six landmarks located here are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are: Roman Catholic churches in Blizne and Haczów, and wooden Greek-Catholic or Orthodox tserkovs in Chotyniec, Radruż, Smolnik upon the San and Turzańsk.

Today, many tserkovs in the region hold ser vices performed in various rites, often accompanied with candle light, and Orthodox singing. This is a way to evoke the unique charm and atmosphere of the past. When in Podkarpackie, you simply must experience this and get a glimpse of the emotion. Otherwise, it would seem as if you had not been here at all…

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1. Turzańsk. Wooden Greek-Catholic tserkov of St. Archangel Michael, built in 1801-1803, from 1963 used as an Orthodox church (KZ) 2. Radruż. Wooden tserkov of St. Paraskeva, built in the late 1500s (MB)

4. Inside the church in Haczów (KZ)

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

5. Inside the tserkov in Radruż (MB) 6. Inside the tserkov in Turzańsk (KZ)

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The heritage of Podkarpackie

In castles, palaces and manor houses…

Castles, palaces, mansions and manor houses have for centuries been part of the history of the region, its architectural and cultural landscape as well as social history. They were inhabited by powerful families of Poland (e.g. the Lubomirski, Potocki, Czartoryski, Sapieha, Mniszech), and by lesser nobility (the Dzieduszycki, Tyszkiewicz, Pawlikowski, Morski, Krasicki and many others) that lived here for centuries, and have become integral part of this land and its fortunes. They left behind numerous mansions and manor houses, often surrounded by ancient parks. Many of their abodes are only preserved in old paintings, yellowed documents, or faded photographs.

Many are forgotten, others were destroyed by historical turmoil, while remains of some are being laboriously uncovered by archaeologists. Yet, there are numerous palaces, mansions, and manor houses which are definitely worth visiting.

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1. Library in the Castle Museum in Łańcut (MB) 2. Rzemień. Knight-style residential tower from the 1500s (KZ) 3. Palace in Tyczyn, built in 1862-1869 for count Ludwik Wodzicki and his wife Jadwiga Zamoyska (KZ)

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4. Olszanica. Palace from 1905, built on the site of a defensive manor house from the 1500s (KZ)

You should take a walk along the paths of old parks, witnesses to the lives of the noble residences. Even though many of them may have lost most traces of their former splendour, they continue to represent human dreams and are a manifestation of human genius. Aristocratic residences and the more modest establishments of lesser nobility, throughout the centuries were subjected to alterations and upgrading, and thanks to the collected works of art and keepsakes, they would become the centres of cultural and social life as well as places where national traditions were cultivated.

It was there that the consecutive generations of owners would hold works of the greatest European and Polish artists, libraries and archives, collections of weapons, ceramics, glassware, coins, that could not be found even in museums; private theatres were established, printing houses, schools.

Palaces were surrounded with landscape parks, which today continue to

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The heritage of Podkarpackie

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fascinate and inspire, as well as greenhouses and gardens which provided specimens for botanical gardens and private estates throughout Europe.

These can be visited by following the Carpathian Trail of Historical Gardens and Houses.

While in Podkarpackie, you must visit the castle in Łańcut, one of the most famous and magnificent Polish aristocratic residences. You will be able to admire well-preserved splendid residential interiors, and a unique Coach House, a rarity in Europe, with priceless collection of luxury vehicles manufactured by the most reputable companies from Vienna, London and

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1. Castle Museum in Łańcut (KZ) 2. Wysocko. Palace built in 1724-1734 on the site of the wooden manor house, owned

by Queen Marie Casimiere Sobieska (KZ) 3. Przeworsk Museum – Palace of the Lubomirski family (KZ) 4. Courtyard of the Baranów Sandomierski Castle (BS) 3

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Paris. Other sites on the “must-visit” list include Krasiczyn – the “Jewel of Polish Renaissance”, with unique attic and Sgraffito decorations; the palace and park complex in Dukla, owing its grandeur to Amalia Mniszech, née Brühl, whose Rococo tombstone – one of the most beautiful monuments of the type in Poland – can be found in a church in Dukla; the palace in Wysocko – the abode of the future queen Marie Casimire Sobieska, with the only royal gardens in the Podkarpackie. Baranów Sandomierski, Rzeszów, Sieniawa, Dubiecko, Zarzecze, Narol, Przecław, Bakończyce near Przemyśl and many other places invite for a meeting with the spirit of the past.

5. Tomb of Amalia Mniszech in church of St. Mary Magdalene in Dukla (KZ)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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Museums in Podkarpackie The varied history and culture of our region can be explored during visits to the museums in Podkarpackie.

Expositions waiting for tourists present unique collections of religious and secular art, archaeological and natural ar tefact s, or even interactive displays illustrating industrial development of the region. Here you can visit amazing interiors of the Castle Museum in Łańcut, openair expositions for instance in Sanok, Kolbuszowa, or the Carpathian Troy in Trzcinica, biographical museums such as Maria Konopnicka Museum in Żarnowiec, as well as Ethnographic Museum in Rzeszów, the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa, National Museum of Przemyśl Region, Museum of Kresy Borderland in Lubaczów, and Museum of Oil and Gas Industry in Bóbrka. These impressive

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exhibitions will be remembered by visitors for a long time. In addition to traditional touring, you can pay a virtual visit to seventeen museums by using a specially designed website. The digital presentations include virtual tour of the expositions, 3D animations of selected exhibits as well as video materials. All this is available at http://www.wmp.podkarpackie.pl

National Museum of Przemyśl Region Those interested in military heritage should definitely co m e h e r e to s e e t h e e x h i b i t i o n r e l a te d to t h e Forts of Przemyśl. This is the first exposition giving a comprehensive view to the history of the Przemyśl Fortress, one of the most famous defensive structures used during the First World War. The Museum also holds a large exhibition of religious art created by two nations, Polish and Ukrainian, which jointly built the history of this part of Poland. Similarly, the exposition of Jewish artefacts illustrates the fortunes of the Jewish community in Przemyśl.

Museum of Bells and Pipes The late Baroque, 40-metre-tall Bell Tower located within the old town of Przemyśl, houses an unusual collection… The arts of bell 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 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 Museum 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, reservists pipes, and contemporary pipes manufactured by local family businesses. The hardship of climbing narrow winding stairs will be rewarded with the amazing panorama of the city, which can be admired from a viewing terrace on top of the tower.

Historical Museum in Sanok Holding one of the most beautiful collections of GreekCatholic and Orthodox arts, the Museum in Sanok presents over 1,200 exhibits, including early examples of icons, liturgical items (utensils, polychrome crucifixes made of wood, encolpions, hangers, banners, gowns, old prints) from churches existing today or in the past in the areas which now are in south-eastern Poland and Ukraine.

There is also a collection of Roman-Catholic artefacts, from the 15th to the 19th century, which originally were located in churches and shrines within the Przemyśl Diocese.

A n oth e r h i g h l i g ht of th e M u s e u m i s th e wo r ld ’s largest collection of the art of Zdzisław Beksiński. The exposition presents about 600 paintings and other works

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1. Gallery of Zdzisław Beksiński in the Historical Museum in Sanok (MB) 2. Museum of Bells and Tobacco Pipes in Przemyśl (GK) 2

3. National Museum of Przemyśl Region (KZ)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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representing the large and varied output of one of the most interesting and intriguing contemporary visual artists. Here you can also see the meticulously recreated Artist’s study, “brought” from his Warsaw apartment.

Carpathian Troy M a g n i f i ce n t , i n a cce s s i b l e a n d u n co n q u e r e d , u p o n its discover y it brought to mind ancient Troy. Today, everyone is welcome to visit this site which holds a unique combination of an outdoors archaeological exposition and a modern museum. The Carpathian Troy Open-Air Museum in Trzcinica near Jasło was created on the site of one of the most impor tant archaeological digs in Poland, of particular importance in uncovering the early history of the whole Central and Eastern Europe. This is because here pre-history crossed paths with the Middle Ages, and Mediterranean culture met with the Slavonic substance. The entire complex comprises the hillfort and archaeological park, located at its foot. There is also an exposition pavilion with a large exhibition room, multimedia educational facility for children and a cosy Room of Small Discoverers for preschoolers. Carpathian Troy is more than the archaeological exposition. In comes back to life during numerous historical reconstructions, when you can again hear the clang of arms and sounds of working craftsmen.

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COP Central Industrial Region – for the future

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This part of Poland is invariably associated with the Central Industrial Region, a development program which started only three years before WWII, yet it created the foundations for the current growth of industry, especially aerospace sector.

In Stalowa Wola we can see an excellent multimedia display which was prepared in 2007 for the 70th anniversary of the COP project. The exposition has become quite popular, 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 exhibits 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 screening 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 construction of COP. An interactive panel, designed for educational purposes, presents information explaining the economic phenomenon of COP.

The world of bedtime cartoons and dolls 3

Miś Uszatek, Coralgol, Rumcajs, Bolek and Lolek, Krecik or Reksio – everyone in Poland remembers these cartoon characters, in fact guests from abroad may know them by other names: Nalle Luppakorva, Bennie & Lennie, Krteček…

Our fondest childhood memories are linked with them, even today we can still recall the songs we heard on TV before going to bed. In Rzeszów, the capital city of Podkarpackie, you can revisit the land of fair y tales to which we are invited by the Museum of Bedtime Cartoons. Its holdings include transparencies with frames from animated movies, drafts, screenplays, everyday items with images of cartoon characters, candy wrappings with Maya the Honey Bee, Hare and Wolf (Nu, pogodi!) and many, many others. “Children 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…

From the land of cartoons you might want to travel to the land of dolls in Pilzno. The Museum of Dolls, established by a passionate collector, reveals a world which is unusual, colourful and mysterious. Toys of our grandmothers, mothers and their children are presented in the scenery designed to match the times of their origin. Dolls have always fascinated people; indeed, their first collectors were Egyptian pharaohs.

They have accompanied the human kind from the very beginning, in all continents of the world. This whole story can be seen in Pilzno.

1. Carpathian Troy in Trzcinica (KZ) 2. Stalowa Wola Regional Museum. “COP Central Industrial Region for the future. People, industry, architecture” exhibition (KZ) 3. Museum of Bedtime Cartoons in Rzeszów (MB)

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4. Museum of Dolls in Pilzno (KZ)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

Subcarpathian Texas…

This is the only place where you can feel the smell of oil and see the way it was drilled in the 1800s. Pump-jacks, horse mills, old oil wells, many of which today are still in working order, have been part of the region’s landscape for more than 150 years.

Thanks to the passionate pursuits of three people – Ignacy Łukasiewicz, Tytus Trzecieski and Karol Klobassy-Zrencki – the world today, witnessing the “oil rush”, practically cannot function without this resource.

The beginnings of oil industry can be traced to the Podkarpackie. In 1854 in Bóbrka near Krosno the world’s first oil well was launched, and two years later the first refinery opened in Ulaszkowice near Jasło. Americans built theirs only 5 years later…

It is here that diverse methods, technologies and structures were designed; these provided the foundations for the development of many sectors of petroleum industry – from geology and surveying to drilling, exploitation, refineries and finally distribution of oil and its products. This is the birth place of the industry which led to the extraordinary technological development of the

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1. Franek oil well - still operating today (KZ) 2

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world. During the interwar period Poland had sufficient resources of fuels, and was able to export the surplus of production.

Today, in the south of the Region you can still see oil wells, old but in working order, complete with drilling equipment. The history related to the development of oil industry can be explored along the cross-border Oil Trail.

Its main points include the Polish cities of Jasło, Krosno, Sanok, Lesko and Ustrzyki Dolne and the Ukrainian cities of Sambir, Boryslav, Drohobych and Lviv. A tour of the “Galician Texas” definitely must start in Bóbrka, which holds a rare example of the world’s industrial heritage.

In the open-air museum of oil industry we should see, for instance, the well called Franek, dating from ca.

1860; it was dug by hand to the depth of 50 m, and then

2, 3, 4. Bóbrka. Ignacy Łukasiewicz Museum of Oil and Gas Industry (KZ)

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deepened with the use of a manual drilling device to the depth of 150 m. The aboveground oil rig has been reconstructed following the historical documentation.

The well still works…

Speaking of Ignacy Łukasiewicz, we cannot forget about one of the most important Polish and global inventions – the kerosene lamp. Constructed by him in 1853, the lamp revolutionized everyday life of people worldwide. That is why it is not surprising that the Podkarpackie Museum in Krosno houses the largest European collection of kerosene lamps, varying in shapes and finishing, and made of diverse materials with the use of various methods; the exhibition takes us back to the world of the 19th and early 20th century, shrouded in the warm light produced by the invention of this humble pharmacist.

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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Following the Good Soldier Švejk Whatever it was, it used to be somehow. It never happened yet that it was no-how – you can almost hear Švejk’s mind-bending comment as you sit down next to him on the main square in Przemyśl. The good-natured Soldier Švejk also reigns on a boardwalk in Sanok, and tourists have polished out his huge nose as much as that of his bronze counterpart in Przemyśl. This is because they say that rubbing Švejk’s nose brings luck …

Why Švejk in Podkarpackie? The fourth and final, unfinished volume of The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier Švejk by the Czech writer, Jaroslav Hašek, entitled The Glorious Licking Continued, was almost in whole devoted to the protagonist’s adventures in the Fortress of Przemyśl. During this time Švejk was caught by a patrol of military police who thought he was a Russian soldier. This was because of a Russian military uniform, discovered near a pond, which Švejk had put on out of curiosity. Initially treated as an ordinary prisoner of war, then taken for a spy, he was brought, on foot, from Dobromil to Przemyśl. Did Švejk’s famously humorous ways help him to get out of trouble? Well, to find out you must read the Hašek’s novel.

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Today, Švejk and his adventures are investigated by the great Švejkology movement, one of its manifestations being the tourist route called “Following the Brave Soldier Švejk”. The international hiking and bicycle trail leads from the Czech Republic via Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland to Ukraine, revisiting the places described in the novel. The Polish part of the trail officially opened in October 2004. All the markings along the trail are in yellow and black (the colours of the House of Habsburg); there are also 20 boards carrying relevant information and 80 boards with quotes from Švejk. Švejk’s Alleys can

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be visited in Sanok and Przemyśl; the latter is also home to the Association of Friends of the Good Soldier Švejk, promoting the knowledge of his adventures and the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the times of the First World War. Švejk’s “literary visit” to Przemyśl left a lasting mark on the region’s attractiveness for tourists. You simply must visit Švejk, sit on the bench next to him, “chat” with him, take a selfie. Otherwise, you will not be able to understand Švejk’s whatever it was… I dutifully report… that everything is good… in Podkarpackie.

1. Good Soldier Švejk in Przemyśl (WS) 2. There are many Good Soldier fans in the city (WS) 3. Association of Friends of the Good Soldier Švejk in Przemyśl (MB) 4. Great Maneuvers of Soldier Švejk at Fort Werner (GK)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

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Forts, bunkers, missiles – military landmarks of Podkarpackie A masterpiece of engineering and, after Antwerp and Verdun, one of the greatest fortresses in Europe, Przemyśl Fortress is located by the border with Ukraine. It continues to fascinate and attracts those wanting to explore its secrets. During its heyday it consisted of two rings: external (of 45 km) and internal (15 km). By order of Franz Joseph, in the mid-1800s Przemyśl became the main fortress of Austria-Hungary in the east, or its easternmost point of defence against Russia. This stronghold, besieged three times, was never captured in direct combat. Despite destruction, the forts are really impressive, they attract not only experts in military artefacts, but also enthusiasts of history and beautiful landscapes. One can easily explore the fortifications by following the 50-kilometre long fortress route. In the National Museum of Przemyśl Region one can also see a multimedia display called Przemyśl Fortress. The restored Werner Fort, reacquired from the army in 2010, houses a museum of military artefacts and items dating from the best times of the fortress.

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1, 2. Przemyśl Fortress, Fort I – Salis Saglio, Siedliska (MB) 3. Przemyśl. Molotov Line – Przemyśl Fortified Region (KZ) 4. Krempna. World War I cemetery no. 6 (KZ)

The heritage of Podkarpackie

Poland’s largest and best known complex of train bunkers and fortifications can be seen in Stępina-Cieszyna. In 1940–1941 the Nazi built here a train bunker, five security and combat shelters for its protection, as well as auxiliary facilities serving the whole complex. In August 1941 a meeting of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini took place here, the site was also visited by Himmler, Keitel and Rommel. Connected with Stępina, there is another train bunker, complete with infrastructure, in the nearby town of Strzyżów; this is a tunnelbunker system drilled underneath the hill called Żarnowska Góra. During the meeting of Hitler and Mussolini, Hitler’s train called „Amerika” was stationed in the Strzyżów bunker. Today, both complexes are open to visitors.

Another military landmark in the region comprises parts of monumental Soviet fortifications built along the border with the Third Reich, delineated after Poland was divided between the occupying forces in 1939, pursuant to the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. Located along the so-called Molotov Line, in the Podkarpackie there were fortified regions, which were part of the Kiev Military District. More than 200 relics of the Przemyśl Fortified Region have been documented by historians and they can be explored during hiking trips.

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1. Grab in the Low Beskids.

War cemetery no. 4 (KZ) 2. Historical Park in Blizna. Site of V-2 rockets and V-1 flying bombs tests (MSu) 3. Strzyżów. Train bunker from the times of World War II (KP)

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4. Eastern Roztocze Highlands.

One of Molotov Line bunkers on Mount Wielki Dział (KZ)

A real treat for those interested in military landmarks, “Blizna” Historical Park holds a 14-metre tall model of the German V-2 missile (guided missile), as well as reconstructed barracks of the personnel and fragments of military trenches and fortifications from WWII. The area between Sędziszów Małopolski, Brzeźnica, Rzochów and Kolbuszowa, with Blizna in the middle, was used by the Nazis as their testing grounds, called SS Heidelager; this was one of the world’s first places for testing missile weapons. Experiments with V-1 (flying bombs with jet propulsion) and V-2 missiles were conducted here from November 1943 to June 1944. A visit to the Historical Park, with a museum, multimedia display as well as relics and reconstructions is an excellent adventure and a journey into the world of technology and mysteries of World War II.

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The heritage of Podkarpackie

Ulma Family Museum Even though it opened only recently, the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II, located in Markowa is already attracting a lot of attention and has gained recognition. Indeed, this is the first museum devoted to Poles who risked their own and their families’ lives to provide help to Jewish people, persecuted during the German occupation. Finally the international map of locations linked with the history of WWII and the Holocaust includes such an important exposition site bringing back the memory of the Righteous Polish people as well as the realities of those horrific times during the German occupation of Poland.

The Museum is attracting many Polish and foreign visitors, including numerous politicians, scholars and journalists. After just a few months of its operation the Museum was recognized for the “social courage and

the contribution to building mutual relations” with Jan Karski Humanitarian Award, presented by the PolishJewish Dialogue Committee in New York.

Its concept was born in the end of 2007, and the works started one year later. Held on 17 March 2016, the opening ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests, e.g. President of Poland and the First Lady; Anna Azari, Israeli Ambassador in Poland; Christian and Jewish clergy, as well as representatives of Holocaust Survivors and the Polish Righteous.

An inspiration for establishing the Museum came from the tragic fortunes of the local family of Wiktoria and Józef Ulma and their seven children: Stasia, Basia, Władziu, Franiu, Antoś, Marysia and the baby that was to be born shortly. During the German occupation, presumably towards the end of 1942, despite the poverty and a risk to

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1. Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa (MI) 2. Interactive display at the Museum (MB) 3. Wiktoria and Józef Ulma (MSz)

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life, the Ulma family provided shelter to eight Jews, from the families of Goldman, Didner and Grünfeld. For this they paid the highest price. In the morning of March 24, 1944 a group of German military policemen, led by lieut.

Eilert Dieken, and a few blue policemen appeared in front of their house. First they executed the Jews, and then Józef and his pregnant wife, Wiktoria. Finally, by order of Dieken, the Ulma children were also murdered.

The minimalist and raw design of the Museum provides appropriate backdrop for the difficult subject matter. In the square in front of the building we can see illuminated plaques with names of those residents of Podkarpackie who were killed for helping Jews. Names of individuals providing help to Jewish people in Podkarpackie can also be seen on the adjoining memorial wall. The permanent,

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4. The wall in front of the museum displays plaques with names of Poles who saved Jews during WWII (MM)

interactive, multimedia exposition with the narrative in three languages, Polish, English and Hebrew, conveys the idea of events related to the Holocaust in Poland and the amount of help provided to Jewish people by inhabitants of Podkarpackie. Of special significance are reports related to specific cases – testimonies of Survivors and the Righteous – notes, video documents, pictures of people and hiding places. To ensure objectivity of the narrative the exposition also documents ignoble cases of extortion. The focal point of the Museum is the illuminated model of the Ulma family home containing artefacts connected with them – furniture, books, photo cameras built by Józef himself, and photos. A large picture of the Family, in glass doors of the Museum, greets visitors and watches them as they depart.

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Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

Podkarpackie is appealing because of the diversity of religious architecture, music, painting and crafts; it attracts with places which are special for various cultures and faiths.

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podkarpackie.eu

Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

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T

he Podkarpackie Region, in terms of culture, is one of the most attractive areas of Poland. Only here can one find this unique atmosphere of the former borderland, with roofs of wooden churches and domes of Greek Catholic tserkovs, sounds of Orthodox choirs, Jewish prayers and Lemko songs – all side by side. A journey across Podkarpackie brings a meeting with diverse cultures which you simply must explore. This dialogue of cultures in the Podkarpackie encourages visitors to take a broad look at the cultural face of south-eastern Poland.

The culture of today’s Podkarpackie is a unique phenomenon. Over the centuries an original mixture emerged, not to be found anywhere else, based on influences of Polish, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Jewish, Vlach, and even Byzantine traditions, tinted with elements of Persian, Tartar and Turkish orientalism.

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Interest in multiculturalism is frequently born from direct experience, from the feeling of astonishment, or perhaps the sense of delight. Podkarpackie is appealing because of the diversity of religious architecture, music, painting and crafts; it attracts with places which are special for various cultures and faiths. This specificity can easily be recognized in fun activities and games, processions or festive rituals such as e.g. Feast of Jordan in Sanok or Przemyśl, the Mystery of the Passion in Kalwaria Pacławska, Easter Parade of Turks in Radomyśl upon the San or celebration on the anniversary of the death of Tzadik Elimelech from Leżajsk.

You are invited to discover the unusual traditions inspired by various cultures which, over the ages, put down roots in our region.

1. On the previous spread: Roadside cross (KZ) 2. Feast of Jordan in Sanok (WZ) 3. Roman Catholic cathedral in Przemyśl (WS)

Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

Land of many religions Spirituality of people in Podkarpackie was like the land inhabited by them: raw, colourful and powerful, with roots in all the cultures native to this area. The pulse of religious piety depended on the eternal rhythms of nature and the recurring cycle of harvests and earlyspring paucity. Faith helped survive the turmoils of war and shortages. Podkarpackie is immensely privileged as it can experience this spiritual heritage of many nations which in course of history left here material traces of their beliefs.

S o m e p l a ce s h e re f ro m tim e s im m e m o ria l c a rr y with them the compelling silence of contemplation.

Pre-Christian kurgans lost amidst forests, hundreds of holy wells and sacred mountains, these are but an introduction to the broad religious landscape of this land which reaches towards heaven with the spires, domes and turrets of churches, tserkovs and synagogues.

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1. Przemyśl, town of many religions (AS) 2. Synagogue in Łańcut (KZ) 3. Świątkowa Mała. Tserkov of St. Archangel Michael from 1762 (KZ) 4. Leżajsk. Bernardine Basilica (KZ)

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The most prominent place in Podkarpackie is held by symbols of spiritualit y associated with Roman Catholicism. It is hard to find a village without at least a chapel-of-ease, and all churches are crowded at the time of the Holy Mass. Over one-thousand-year-long history of Christianity has left here countless relics of all ages. A trip along side roads of Podkarpackie will make it possible for you to feel the atmosphere of faith cherished by the local people and to catch a glimpse of the thousands of shrines and crosses.

The region holds numerous relics of material heritage related to Eastern Christianity, most notably the amazing tserkovs, some of the oldest in Poland. You can admire e.g. the defensive structure of the brick tserkov in Posada Rybotycka, and the masterful carpentry visible in the tserkovs in Ulucz and Radruż. A number of Orthodox and Greek-Catholic tserkovs have survived thanks to priests and followers of Roman Catholicism. Many churches were used by both Catholic denominations.

Large collections of priceless icons are in the holdings of museums in Sanok, Przemyśl and in Łańcut Castle.

There is little left to bring back the atmosphere of small Galician towns, in big part created by their Jewish populations. Yet, if you want, you will notice relics

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of Jewish culture, which was destroyed by the Nazis.

These include the Renaissance synagogues in Lesko and Rymanów, the exquisite synagogues in Przemyśl, the raw silhouettes of the synagogues in Rzeszów, headstones in the Jewish cemeteries miraculously spared from destruction in Lutowiska, Sokołów Małopolski and Krzeszów, and a few ohalim, i.e. graves of tzadiks, the miracle workers. It was here that Hasidic movement first started and spread rapidly; estates and dynasties of tzadiks established e.g. by Naftali from Ropczyce, Tzvi Elimelech from Dynów, Elimelech Weissblum from Leżajsk and Menachem Mendel from Rymanów greatly contributed to Jewish religious culture of the entire country. Today we can visit the meticulously restored interiors of the synagogue in Łańcut and meditate on the passing of things. We must not forget about numerous Jewish cemeteries. Many of them were completely destroyed, in some you can see valuable matzevah, e.g. in Lesko, where the oldest headstone dates from 1548.

Further on, in Lutowiska there is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Poland with about 1,000 headstones which because of their unique and elaborate ornamentation are recognized as some of the most interesting works of Jewish sepulchral art in Poland.

Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

Places of special importance for religions and cultures Jewish populations once cultivated here their unique lifestyle, though now the material evidence is scarce, just a few dozen synagogues, cemeteries and ohalim of pious men, as well as small collections of Jewish artefacts.

However, even today the region holds places of particular importance for Jews. For sure, one of these is Leżajsk with the grave of Tzadik Elimelech Weissblum (1717–1787), visited by Jews from all around the world. Each year in February and March prayers and songs of pious Jews can be heard here, because there is a belief that who has seen the grave of Elimelech once, they will not die in sin. On this occasion pilgrims make requests which they leave on the grave on small pieces of paper known as “kvitels”; the pleas are to be submitted by the Tzadik to

God. Hasidic pilgrims also visit other holy places, such as the graves of Menachem Mendel and Tzvi Hirsch in Rymanów, Naftali Horovitz in Łańcut and Tzvi Elimelech in Dynów. In fact the restored synagogue in Łańcut has also become a destination for Jewish travellers.

Kalwaria Pacławska is a place devoted to veneration of the Passion of the Lord, and is known as “Jerusalem of the East”; because of the famous Baroque painting of Our Lady, the Attentive Listener, it is also referred to as Jasna Góra of Podkarpackie. Located near Przemyśl, among the gentle hills marked with the meandering Wiar river, the Calvary comprises scattered paths leading to the Stations of the Cross. The sanctuary is a very important place of worship and is often visited by tourists. Each year

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1. Ingress of a new Metropolitan of Archdiocese of Przemysl–Warsaw of the Greek Catholic Church in Przemyśl (WS) 2. Stara Wieś. Museum of the Southern Polish Provinces of the Society of Jesus (KZ) 3. A Jew praying in the Jewish cemetery in Leżajsk (RW) 2

in August pilgrims come from all over the region and from Ukraine to par ticipate in the celebrations of the Assumption of Mary. The church has retained its original Baroque style; the walls and vaults are covered with Baroque frescos, attributed to Stanisław Stroiński from Lviv, the most prominent representative of fresco painting in East Małopolska in the 1700s.

Further on, at the foot of Mount Cergowa, in the northern outskirts of the Low Beskids there is the picturesquely situated town of Dukla. This place is linked with the charismatic man known as Saint Jan of Dukla, who was born here and spent his youth in a hermitage near the town. His relics returned to the church in Dukla in 1974, and in 1997 he was canonized by John Paul II. Saint Jan is also worshipped by Orthodox believers and Armenians.

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4. Mystery of the Passion of the Lord in Kalwaria Pacławska (WS)

In the vicinity of Dukla we can see the Forest Hermitage, which is believed to occupy Jan’s place of seclusion; there is also a small neo-Gothic church, and next to it a cavern with spring of water known for its healing properties.

Along the Wooden Architecture Route in Podkarpackie visitors can admire a number of intricately built churches.

One of the most precious tserkovs in Poland, Greek Catholic Church of Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Chotyniec is a true gem. Its delightfully unique silhouette features arcades and small roofed galleries, well-preserved polychromes from the first half of the 1700s, richly adorned iconostasis and icons. From 1947 to 1990 it functioned as a Roman Catholic church, now it is again used by Greek Catholics.

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Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

Music and painting of the borderland The culture of Podkarpackie stands out as an enduring combination of various ethnic elements which, over the ages, have jointly created a new quality by complimenting each other, mutually taking from one another’s variety and sometimes competing with each other. They created the variegated, yet harmonious mosaic of patterns, sounds and colours from Europe and Asia, imprinted on the land of Podkarpackie.

A saying, that this Polish traditional multiculturalism is perhaps the biggest treasure of this region, is not far from the truth. The vitality of this beautiful tradition is in particular clearly seen in visual arts and music, when new generations of artists extract from this rich heritage 2

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1. POŁONINY Student Song and Dance Ensemble from Rzeszów University of Technology (TP) 2. Hoczew. At the atelier of Zdzisław Pękalski (TP) 3. Hurdy-gurdy players from Podkarpackie (KZ)

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of ancestors and, in pursuit of their own creativity, find inspiration in these earlier achievements.

The music of the borderland is made of a variet y of sounds which are characteristic for all cultures encountered here. So you can find here klezmer tunes, Lemko music, singing of the Orthodox church and Gregorian Chants.

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 embroider y 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.

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Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

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Handicraft in the Podkarpackie Handicraf t is a meeting of the past and the present, of ethnic and contemporary art. The result is a colourful, frequently surprising and unique mixture of artistic vision and creative talent. In Podkarpackie handicraft has a distinctive quality resulting from the influence of diverse cultures.

The best way to learn about handicraft is to make a clay pot – from forming the material to firing the product. For this you must visit Medynia Głogowska, which along with the nearby villages used to be one of the largest Polish pottery centres. The local potters conduct workshops for children and adults.

Colourful flowers, which look deceptively natural, represent the enchanted world of crepe paper craft, known in the region for years. Crepe paper flowers even today are used to adorn roadside shrines, altars, paintings and icons.

A special type of artistic medium, sculpture in folk art is an extremely important tool for expressing creative passion.

Works of folk art in the past mainly included images of saints, painted on wood, canvass, paper or metal sheet. Later appeared decorative paintings with

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secular themes. Today, the choice of subject depends 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 creating icons has, for centuries, been cultivated here, not only by rural artists.

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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…

1. Pottery workshop (KZ) 2. Centre of basketry in Rudnik upon San (KZ) 3. Bronisława Pyc from Zawadka, specialises in straw ornaments (KZ) 4. Smith’s Croft in Przychojec (KZ)

Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

Music festivals The Podkarpackie also invites to music festivals of national and international importance, and for smaller events which show the musical potential of the region, and local residents’ love of music. The most renowned event, the International Music Festival in Łańcut has been organized for over 50 years, and has seen performances of world-class artists. It is a real feast for enthusiasts of classical music who, on this occasion, come here from Poland and from abroad. The Festival is partly held in the historic interiors of the Łańcut Castle, and in a way continues the long musical traditions going back to the 1700s, when the Lubomirski family, and later the Potocki, who owned the castle, set the tone for the cultural life of the region.

Another event of growing importance is the Young Arts Festival, held in Krosno. It has hosted performances of such artists as Leszek Możdżer, Kwartet Śląski, Krzesimir Dębski and over 200 musicians involved in unique artistic projects.

The World Festival of Polish Folk Ensembles, held in Rzeszów since 1969, is a celebration of dancing and singing. It is also an excellent promotion of

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the region, and an opportunity for integration between people of Polish origin living all over the world. Every three years, for one week the region becomes a huge concert venue; young participants get to know the country of their ancestors, older guests – revisit the places they knew in their youth.

Another notable event, launched in 2012 and organized in three cities of Eastern Poland, is called East of Culture. During this festival Rzeszów hosts European Stadium of Culture which has become a pride of the city.

Its program includes dozens of varied artistic events, including concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances, film screenings, workshops, literary discussions, etc. East of Culture events provide an opportunity for integration of artistic communities of Eastern Poland and countries associated within the Eastern Partnership (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine).

Enthusiasts of classical music have an opportunity to enjoy performances of excellent musicians from all over the world during concerts of the International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music in Leżajsk.

The historic town of Jarosław holds the ‘Song of Our Roots’ Early Music Festival which is designed to combine secular and spiritual elements, practice and theory, professional and amateur, as well as academic and folk art.

Musicians from Poland and from abroad do not only present their concerts but they also participate in discussions which focus on tradition, philosophy of music, historical performing styles, and share their experience and artistic accomplishments.

Added to the list of events a few years ago, Cieszanów Rock Festival has become one of the major and most recognizable summer festivals in Poland, and the largest rock event in Eastern Poland. It features performances of well-known Polish and foreign musicians and bands. Each year more and more music fans come to the festival, where the attractions waiting for them, in addition to good music, include NGO Town, Wędrowiec swimming area, and the unique atmosphere of Roztocze.

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1. European Stadium of Culture in Rzeszów (TP) 2. International Music Festival in Łańcut. Outdoors concert in front of the castle (MM) 2

3. Young Arts Festival in Krosno (YAF)

Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

Great names of culture Zdzisław Beksiński (1929–2005) – painter, sculptor, photographer, graphic artist working with the aid of computer. His family had, for generations, been connected with Sanok where he himself lived until the latter half of the 1970s. In his works, he created a unique language of artistic expression, recognizable worldwide, in some cases based on the use of computer programs. He bequeathed his whole artistic output to the Historical Museum in Sanok to which during his lifetime he donated approximately 300 of his works. After the Artist’s passing, the Museum received about 20 of his final paintings, approx. 1,000 photos and graphics.

Józef Szajna (1922–2008) – born in Rzeszów, a remarkable visual artist, he was particularly known for his contribution to theatre as

a stage designer, director, theoretician, author of original, innovative performances; he was also a professor of Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. He is considered as one of the five greatest artists of the 20th century. During WWII he participated in combat against the Nazis and was arrested and held prisoner in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. In 1997 during a celebration of the Artist’s 75th birthday and 50 years of creative work in Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre in Rzeszów, Szajna Gallery was opened and today it is the only permanent exposition of his works in Poland and in the world

Tadeusz Kantor (1915–1990) – born in Wielopole Skrzyńskie, theatre director, painter, visual artist, stage designer, author of artistic manifestos, organizer of cultural events, founder of Cricot 2 Theatre

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1. Zdzisław Beksiński’s studio recreated in the Historical Museum in Sanok (MB) 2. Stained-glass window designed by Józef Mehoffer, in the castle chapel in Baranów Sandomierski (KZ) 3. Wanda Siemaszkowa – a theatre in Rzeszów was named after her in 1957 (TS)

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in Kraków. Inspired by Western artists, he introduced Polish audiences to informalism, conceptualism, and happenings. His performances typically featured puppetlike acting style and scenes designed to resemble 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 reformers 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

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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 representatives of the period of Young Poland, recognized as the master of Art Nouveau decorativeness, he was a founding member of Sztuka Association of Polish Artists. His works, which can be admired in Podkarpackie, include the stained glass windows in the Przemyśl Cathedral and in the former castle chapel in Baranów Sandomierski.

Wanda Siemaszkowa (1867–1947) – outstanding actress, particularly 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

Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie

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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.

Stanisław Pigoń (1885–1968) – born in Kombornia near Krosno, historian 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 Sciences 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 Polish 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 Pigonianum 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, harmonica player, songwriter. Remembered as the Father of Polish Blues, he was a founding member of Blackout and Breakout.

He graduated from music school in Rzeszów, where he studied violin, clarinet and double 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 following 13 years the band recorded ten albums. Later Nalepa continued as a solo artist, recording with various musicians. In 2003 he was awarded with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. He is recognized as one of the most influential Polish rock musicians.

Tadeusz Nalepa died on 4 March 2007, and was buried in Powązki Cemetery in Warsaw.

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

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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 designed 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, biplanes 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 he built an astronomical observatory – a wooden structure in the shape of a cylinder, with a movable roof dome.

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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 environmental issues and tourism in Poland. His works provided the foundations 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) 3

– painter, social and economic activist, author of excellent portraits and images of horses; for a few years he lived in Bolestraszyce near Przemyśl. His landscaped garden 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 renowned Polish author of comedies. He spent his childhood in his grandfather’s manor house in Niena­ dowa, 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 family nest, writing, for instance „Oh, sweet place of my birth…”.

1. Rzeszów. Statue of Tadeusz Nalepa (KZ) 2. „Leonardo from Wzdów” - statue of Adam Ostaszewski (KZ) 3. Kamieniec castle provided the setting for The Revenge, the most famous comedy by Count Aleksander Fredro (KZ) 4

4. Statue of Ignacy Krasicki in front of the castle in Dubiecko (KZ)

Today, the Podkarpackie Region is favoured by investors seeking location for their business in the macro-region of Eastern Poland.

Broad view to the podkarpackie

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Broad view to the podkarpackie

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eeting point for three national borders: Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine, external border of the European Union, East-West transport corridor – these are only a few of the assets of Podkarpackie, a leader among the regions of Eastern Poland.

Economic growth of Podkarpackie is inseparably linked with the construction of the Central Industrial Region started before World War II. This development program was the genesis of numerous industrial plants operating today, such as Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów, PZL Mielec Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company and Huta Stalowa Wola SA., to mention only a few. Because the world’s first oil well was built in 1854 in Bóbrka near Krosno, the region is also recognized as the cradle of oil industry.

Today, the Podkarpackie Region is favoured by investors seeking location for their business in the macro-region of Eastern 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 accessible; the factors determining this include A4 Motorway linking western and eastern border of Poland, S19 Expressway currently under construction, modernized railway lines, including broad LHS line, as well as Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport with consistently growing number of passengers.

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The region stands out for a large concentration of aerospace companies (accounting for approx. 90% of domestic production in this sector), numerous science and research centres, and well developed educational and training facilities. Yet, the strength of the local economy does not depend only on aerospace industry. Sector of information technologies is also of considerable importance for the economy, as it is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the region, just like automotive industry – a number of global leaders in this sector have built their plants here. The region’s economy is also defined by mechanical and electrical engineering sector, chemical, glass and wood industries, as well as agriculture. Innovative forms of business support are effectively implemented here, and in terms of R&D expenditures the Podkarpackie Region holds high-ranking position in Poland.

1. On the previous spread: Part of S19 expressway in Podkarpackie (TP) 2. A modern production line of car windscreens at Pilkington Automotive Poland plant (TP) 3. Linetech Aircraft Maitenance is a leader in Central and Eastern Europe in aircraft technical inspections and structural repairs (PK)

Broad view to the podkarpackie

Rzeszów Rzeszów is the largest city in south-eastern Poland, a capital of the Podkarpackie Region and a centre of the Rzeszów Metropolitan Area. It is a seat of local and regional governments, as well as national and judicial institutions. It is a centre of economy, higher education, culture and recreation, of major significance in this part of the country. It is an important hub for aviation, information technology and chemical industries, as well as trade, construction and services.

The capital of the Podkarpackie has a population of nearly 220,000. With the rate of 353 university students per 1,000 population, Rzeszów ranks at number one in the European Union in the related statistics. An average resident of the city is 39 years old, so Rzeszów is known as a city of young people.

Rzeszów rates very high for the quality of living. According to its residents it is a clean, safe and comfortable city,

providing good conditions for stability in life and for satisfying personal growth and career.

Rzeszów is home to the Aviation Valley, the largest aviation cluster in Poland, comprising over 150 companies.

The largest plant, owned by Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów (formerly WSK “PZL-Rzeszów”), specialises in production of aircraft engines. Other sectors rapidly developing here include chemical industry (Valeant, Sylveco, SanofiAventis), information technologies (Asseco Poland SA), and packaging industry (Marma Polskie Folie). The city also holds headquarters and plants of such companies as Zelmer and Nestle (formerly Alima-Gerber).

Rzeszów is also home to two volleyball clubs, represented in the top national league by the male team of Asseco Resovia Rzeszów and the female team of Developres Rzeszów; the latter won the bronze medal in 2017 Polish championships. Asseco Resovia Rzeszów is a seven-time

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1. Circular pedestrian bridge in the Region’s capital (TP) 2. Tadeusz Mazowiecki Bridge in Rzeszów (TP) 3. Rzeszów Town Square (TP) 2

Champion of Poland, a three-time winner of the Polish Cup, and a winner of Polish SuperCup. Volleyball for the local community has become “a national sport”, and the games held in Jan Strzelczyk Regional Sports and Performance Centre “Podpromie” are regularly watched by 4,000 fans. As a result of the planned expansion, the hall will soon have seating area for 7,000 viewers.

Speedway is another sport of extreme importance in the capital of Podkarpackie. Stal Municipal Stadium has hosted the games since the 1950s. The teams of Speedway Stal Rzeszów have won Polish Championships twice.

Rzeszów hosts numerous artistic events. A permanent feature in the cultural map of the city, World Festival of Polonian Folk Ensembles has been organised here every

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4. Multimedia Fountain in Rzeszów (TP)

three years since 1969, attracting artistic groups and people of Polish descent from all over the world. Another event of major importance, Rzeszów Carpathia Festival has been organised since 2005. During the four days it features performances of young singers and bands.

The festival called East of Culture – European Stadium of Culture takes place each year in late June. On this occasion the public had an opportunity to admire here such stars as Guano Apes, White Lies, Within Temptation, Coma, T.Love, Myslovitz and many more. The largest audiences are attracted to concerts of the so-called “collectives” – joint performances of Polish bands and their guests representing such Eastern countries as Ukraine, Belarus, and Armenia.

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Broad view to the podkarpackie

In Podkarpackie the love for aviation is in people’s blood.

For the love of sky-high horizons In Podkarpackie the love for aviation is in people’s blood. In 1790 Jan Potocki from Łańcut was the first Pole to fulfil his dream of aerial travel, as he was lifted by a balloon high up into the sky. Important pages of the history of aviation in Podkarpackie were written by Adam Ostaszewski, a land owner from Wzdów, and a pioneer recognized as an inventor of biplane and jet engine.

In 1892 a vertical take-off aircraft, built for Ostaszewski, ascended to the height of 100 m. Notably, at this time the Wright Brothers were still busy manufacturing bicycles.

Development of the aviation related traditions was al so undoubte dly impac te d by the coll ab oration bet ween eminent residents of the region and the Aviatic Association of Polytechnic University, the oldest organization of this type in Poland, established at the Lviv Polytechnic University. Members of the association later were to be found in nearly all of the newly emerging centres of aeronautical research and production. In the 1920s the Association was transformed into Lviv Aero Club, which in 1930 opened the excellent and extremely

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1. Before they sit at the controls, future pilots train on a flight simulator at Aviation Training Centre of Rzeszów University of Technology (TP) 2. At Podkarpackie airplanes are not only manufactured but also serviced (TP) 3. Bird’s eye view of Pratt &Whitney Rzeszów. In the middle: high-tech R&D Centre (P&W)

Broad view to the podkarpackie

popular gliding school in Bezmiechowa, today still operating in Podkarpackie.

The beginnings of aviation industry in this area are linked with the Central Industrial Region, a development program initiated in the 1930s.

I t s m a j o r i nve s t m e nt p ro j e c t s i n clu d e d av i at i o n works in Mielec and R zeszów. T his was the star t for the development of the region as an important aircraft manufacturing centre. In time, the growing concentration of aviation businesses in the region combined with related research and development facilities and educational base resulted in a decision to establish an aviation industry cluster. Launched in 2003, “Aviation Valley” Association of the Group of Entrepreneurs of Aviation Industry aims at transforming south-eastern Poland into one of Europe’s regional leaders in aerospace industry. Today the cluster consists of nearly 160 companies; approx. 90% of these are located within the Podkarpackie Region. The companies associated in the Aviation Valley include representatives of global aerospace sector. Leaders of the cluster, with the largest and most advanced operations, include

the manufacturer of aircraft components and complete engine units, Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów, part of the American group, United Technologies Corporation.

Another particularly notable member of the cluster is PZL Mielec Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company, which is Poland’s largest aircraft manufacturer, producing also aircraft structures and helicopters. The company’s greatest accomplishments include the launch of the production line for the multi-task helicopter Sikorsky S-70iTM BLACK HAWK. Members of the Aviation Valley in the region also include the highly advanced factory and research centre of MTU Aero Engines. Other companies include: Safran Transmission Systems Poland (formerly: Hispano-Suiza Polska), processing and assembling of technologically advanced engine components and modules used e.g. by Airbus and Boeing, Heli-One (helicopter base maintenance), McBraida (manufacturing of high-precision parts for aircraft engines and other components for aerospace sector); finally a company of leading importance in Central and Eastern Europe in its sector, Linetech Aircraft Maintenance specialises in technical check-ups and structural repairs of aircrafts.

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1. Core PZL Mielec products – S-70i BLACK HAWK utility helicopter and M28 aircraft (PZL) 2. A land of gliders. There are four glider airfields in Lesko County, the famous Bezmiechowa is one of them (KZ) 3. Assembly of gear units for aviation, Safran Transmission Systems Poland (TP) 4. Topaz - manufactured by Ekolot company from Krosno (AM)

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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 students to obtain commercial pilot licence. Facilities playing an important part here include Aviation Training Centre in Jasionka near Rzeszów, Research and Development Laboratory for Aerospace Materials as well as the University Gliding Centre in Bezmiechowa near Lesko.

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Broad view to the podkarpackie

A world-wide view from Podkarpackie Rzeszów airport ranks among the fastest growing regional airports in Poland. Nearly 700,000 passengers used its services in 2017 and this number is increasing year by year. This result is possible owing to the improved capacities of the modern terminal as well as the large number of destinations accessible from Jasionka near Rzeszów, including regularly scheduled flights to the United Kingdom and connections to hub airports in Warsaw and Munich. This is one of the few regional airports in Europe which handles transatlantic flights to New York (Newark); these are operated by the national carrier PLL LOT and its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Besides that scheduled flights depart from here to Tel Aviv, London (Stansted and Luton), Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, Bristol and East Midlands, and during summer season to Burgas, Athens and Corfu. In the summer the services on offer include charter flights

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to a variety of popular holiday destinations e.g. in Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey and Albania.

Rzeszów airport has one of the longest runways and a number of upgraded aprons. Furthermore, a modern Cargo Terminal was launched here at the end of 2017. At the same time ILS Cat. 2 was put in operation jointly with Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, as a result safety of air operations has been increased even more. In the premises of the airport there is a complex of hangars used for aircraft maintenance operations. In September 2018 Polish Aviation Group announced plans related to the construction of a Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Centre in the premises of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport; the facility will provide maintenance services for passenger airliners, including wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. Ultimately, this may be the largest facility of this type in Central and Eastern Europe.

Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport is easily accessible via roads linking it to A4 Motorway and national roads. Completed in August 2018, the revamped four-lane regional road no. 869 connects the airport with S19 expressway and regional road no. 878. Related infrastructures are being developed in the vicinity of the airport. G2A Arena Exhibition and Congress Centre has already been operating here with success, and construction of a hotel next to the airport was started in July 2017.

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1. Terminal of the International Airport (MPi) 2. Modern airport infrastructure (KZ) 2

3. Annually the airport serves nearly 700,000 passengers (FA)

Broad view to the podkarpackie

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Powerful economy The strength of economy in the Podkarpackie Region largely depends on the position of information technology industry. Today this is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the region. Enterprises operating here represent nearly all IT specializations, yet it is software companies that employ the largest number of people.

Information technology sector in Podkarpackie comprises a number of companies which are greatly varied in terms of size. One of these is Asseco Poland S.A., the largest IT company listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange, and an important player in the European market. In a highly regarded ranking of the TOP 100 European Software Vendors for 2015, Asseco Group was listed at No. 6. The largest employer in Polish IT sector, the company specializes in the production and development of software, and being the largest software house with Polish capital, it successfully competes with global leaders.

Even a brief presentation of the local IT sector must mention G2A company

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from Rzeszów, currently the world’s fastest growing digital marketplace and a global leader in sales of computer games.

To integrate the business community involved in telecommunications, telephone and information technology sectors, Association of Information Technology Podkarpacka was established in Rzeszów in 2006. Its mission is to provide support for establishing and development of entrepreneurship clusters in tele-information sector.

In December 2010, eight companies from the Podkarpackie and Lubelskie Regions established Eastern Information Technology Cluster. Its priority objectives include creating favourable conditions to facilitate implementation of innovative solutions, as well as designing and promoting any initiatives aimed at the development of information society. At present nearly 90 companies belong to the cluster.

Automotive industry – in addition to information technology, aerospace and “quality of life” sectors – is becoming another smart specialization of the region, and it is linked with traditions going back to the 1800s.

A plant today known as AUTOSAN was launched as early as 1832. Initially a manufacturer of rolling stock, by 1925 the factory released 15,000 tramway and railway carriages. Later it became a symbol of bus manufacturing in Poland – a bus numbered 100,000 left the factory in 1993. Other factories from here, ZASŁAW and STOMIL also have logos known on roads across Europe.

In recent years, the second robust pillar of automotive industry in the Podkarpackie emerged in the north-western part of the region. The area between Dębica and Stalowa Wola is home to six large companies operating in automotive sector, with the total turnover exceeding six billion PLN, and employing over 13,000 people. These are: Pilkington Automotive, Kirchhoff, TC Dębica, Borgwarner, Superior Industries Production, Federal Mogul and Lear Corporation.

Another cluster is an organisation providing support to Polish manufacturers operating in automotive industry.

PGM (Polish Automotive Group) conducts numerous operations promoting business. What is more, owning to the diversity of companies associated in the Group, its members may benefit from effects of increased scale and synergy, and inspire one another for growth. The scale of the Group’s operations is reflected for example by the fact that in September 2018 it opened its office in China; its personnel aids Polish manufacturers in their attempts to enter that difficult market.

1. Automotive industry is one of the smartspecialisations of Podkarpackie Region (TP)​ 2. The IT sector is one of the most dynamically developing in the region (TP) 3. Melex company in Mielec is one of the longest operating manufacturers of electric vehicles in the world (TP) 4

4. BorgWarner plant manufactures technologically advanced components for the automotive industry (TP)

Broad view to the podkarpackie

Development with support The Podkarpackie Region successfully organizes pioneering forms of business support which are a novelty in the whole country. There are two special economic zones, and entrepreneurs operating in aerospace and innovative technologies sectors can locate their businesses within AEROPOLIS Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park.

The first Polish industrial park designed for a specific sector, AEROPOLIS is one of the most attractive areas for investments in the macro-region of Eastern Poland. In terms of business operations as well as science and research endeavours the park is mainly linked to aviation industry. It offers fully developed investment areas and facilities of Academic Pre-incubator and Technology Incubator. Its advantages include the location in the vicinity of A4 Motorway and Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport. Moreover, the Park has been incorporated within EURO-PARK Mielec Special Economic Zone, as a result of which companies located here may be entitled to tax exemption.

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1. Drones – one of Podkarpackie’s manufacturing specialties (TP) 2. Building of AEROPOLIS Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park (MB) 3. McBraida has also invested in Aeropolis Science and Technology Park (MB) 2

Investors can also count on assistance from the Park administrator, i.e. Rzeszów Regional Development Agency, and in particular two of its departments: Investor Support Centre, and Technology Transfer, Innovation and Informatization Centre.

To meet the needs of entrepreneurs and potential investors, a number of special economic areas have been designated within the Podkarpackie Region, offering preferential conditions and simplified administrative procedures for businesses. EURO-PARK Mielec Special Economic Zone was launched in 1995, being the first area of this type in Poland. The leading industries here include aerospace sector represented by such companies as PZL Mielec Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company, MTU Aero

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4. UTC – Aerospace Systems (MB)

Engines Polska Sp. z o.o., Goodrich Aerospace Poland Sp. z o.o., as well as automotive sector with such companies as: BorgWarner Turbo Systems Poland Sp. z o.o., Lear Corporation Sp. z o.o. and Kirchhoff Polska Sp. z o.o. The largest Polish manufacturer of car tyres, Firma Oponiarska Dębica S.A. also operates here. On the other hand EURO– PARK WISŁOSAN Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone is designated for investments related to chemical, machine and metal industries. This economic area is home to such companies as: Pilkington Automotive Poland Sp. z o.o, Federal-Mogul Sp. z o.o, Uniwheels Production Poland Sp. z o.o., Ikea Industry Poland Sp. z o.o. as well as Liugong Machinery Poland, whose plant is a result of the largest Chinese investment in our country.

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Broad view to the podkarpackie

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Investing in knowledge Research and development operations are the main driving force for innovation. Podkarpackie allocates significant funds to ensure grow th in R&D sector, and in this category the region ranks high in Poland.

Other factors determining progress in research and development operations include the local community, which is the youngest population in Poland.

Rzeszów, the region’s capital is also the main university centre. It is home to the largest schools of higher education in Podkarpackie, most impor tantly the Universit y of Rzeszów, and Rzeszów Universit y of Technology. The most notable non-public higher schools of education are the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, and WSPiA University of Law and Public Administration. Other schools of higher education are located in Stalowa

Wola, Tarnobrzeg, Krosno, Mielec, Przemyśl, Jarosław, Sanok. The major courses of education available in the region include various technical and engineering specializations, information technology, economics and languages.

Rzeszów University of Technology plays the leading role in supporting innovation-oriented operations through research and practical implementations in a number of areas, including automatic control as well as mechanical engineering and aeronautics. Research operations are conducted jointly with such entities and companies as the Centre of Advanced Technology „AERONET – Aviation Valley” and Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów.

Development-oriented initiatives are also conducted by the University of Rzeszów. Scientific research is carried out here by such units as Centre of Microelectronics

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and Nanotechnology, Centre of Innovation and Transfer of Knowledge in Life Sciences and Technology, Life Sciences and Medical Centre for Innovation Research. In these facilities research and students’ education focus on the most advanced technologies applied e.g. in aviation and in medicine.

The Podkarpackie Region ranks high in the category of R&D expenditures in the business sector. The leaders in this area include the IT company Asseco Poland Sp. z o.o., as well as Zelmer, Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów, PZL Mielec Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company, Huta Stalowa Wola SA, and ICN Polfa Rzeszów, Olimp Laboratories.

Re s e a rch a n d d eve lo p m e nt o p e r at i o n s p ro d u ce measurable effects in the Podkarpackie Region. The most notable examples include ML System which is the world’s first company to have developed and implemented an innovative technology for printing of photovoltaic cells, as well as GC Energy which has built CALIBRON, one of the first mobile laboratories in Europe used for quick diagnostics and repairs of power systems.

1. Centre for Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, University of Rzeszów (KZ) 2. Podkarpackie is ranked high in terms of the share of enterprises in the structure of expenditure on R&D (TP) 3. University of Rzeszow (TP) 3

4. Ignacy Łukasiewicz Rzeszow University of Technology (KZ)

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Broad view to the podkarpackie

The place for meetings in Podkarpackie G2A Arena Exhibition and Congress Centre of the Podkarpackie Region is the largest venue to hold conferences and exhibitions in the macroregion. It provides space for meetings of the world of business, politics and science both from Poland and Europe.

This advanced facility is an investment of the regional government. The overall value of the project amounts to nearly 155 million PLN, including 64 million PLN subsidy from the European Regional Development Fund, in the framework of 2007–2013 Operational Program “Development of Eastern Poland”.

The facility is designed to hold scientific and social events, as well as presentations of technical and technological achievements of the region. This is a perfect location for meetings with potential investors, and for trainings, workshops, conferences and exhibitions.

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1. G2A Arena Exhibition & Congress Centre hosts the most important economic event in Poland – Kongres 590 (KZ) 2. Bird’s eye view of the futuristic building of G2A Arena Exhibition & Congress Centre (FO) 3. Exhibition area (MB) 2

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The strategic goal for the construction of the Exhibition and Congress Centre was to establish a platform for the transfer of ideas and information, for presentation and exchange of goods, services and technologies between local residents, entrepreneurs, researchers as well as administration and entities representing other regions of Poland and the world.

Exhibition and Congress Centre in Jasionka is a multifunctional facility – the separate parts designed to hold exhibitions and conferences can function independently or can be used jointly as a combined 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.

4. Congress Hall (MB)

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Exhibition and Congress Centre comprises, e.g. exhibition area with the total of 16,145 m², convention hall with 872 seats, 2 large conference rooms with 220 and 190 seats, restaurant room for 160 guests, banquet room for 120 guests, 13 small conference rooms, the smallest one with seats for up to 20 people, and the largest for up to 60 people, and meeting room for 33 people.

G2A Arena hosts a number of projects of national and international significance. The most notable events include: Kongres 590, Aerospace & Defense Meetings Central Europe, Business Without Limits Convention, and EKOGALA – International Fair of High Quality Food and Products.

Spis treści

List of contents PODKARPACKIE – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES 03 I. Podkarpackie – space and time for leisure 06 10 14 16 18 20 22 24 28 32

Mystical land of freedom Following the Green Velo Trail and more Podkarpackie – seen from the saddle White sails and the sea of the Bieszczady Winter-time Podkarpackie!

Adrenaline zone Podkarpackie for your health and beauty Travel and eat – enjoy the flavours of Podkarpackie Tourist attractions in Podkarpackie

II. The heritage of Podkarpackie 36 Culture conjured in wood 40 In castles, palaces and manor houses…

46 Museums in Podkarpackie 50 Subcarpathian Texas…

54 Following the Good Soldier Švejk 56 Forts, bunkers, missiles – military landmarks of Podkarpackie 58 Ulma Family Museum 62 III. Dialogue of cultures in Podkarpackie 64 Land of many religions 68 Places of special importance for religions and cultures 70 Music and painting of the borderland 72 Handicraft in the Podkarpackie 74 Music festivals 76 Great names of culture 78 IV. Broad view to the podkarpackie 82 Rzeszów 86 For the love of sky-high horizons 88 A world-wide view from Podkarpackie 92 Powerful economy 94 Development with support 96 Investing in knowledge 98 The place for meetings in Podkarpackie 100

Published by: Marshal Office of the Podkarpackie Region [Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Podkarpackiego – UMWP] al. Ł. Cieplińskiego 4, 35-010 Rzeszów Promotion and Economic Cooperation Department e-mail: pg@podkarpackie.pl www.podkarpackie.pl, www.podkarpackie.eu Updated Third edition Written and edited by: Rafał Baranowski, Mateusz Bartoszewicz, Bożena Błażej, Justyna Dec, Izabela Fac, Anna Stróż, Alicja Wosik, Krzysztof Zajączkowski, Krzysztof Zieliński English version – translated and updated by Jadwiga Ryba, Dariusz Pawłowski We would like to express our gratitude to Office of the City of Rzeszów, Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport, The Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa, Podkarpackie Regional Tourism Board, and Pro Carpathia Association for their contribution to this publication.

Photos: HA – Hotel Arłamów, ŁB – Łukasz Barzowski, AB – Arkadiusz Bulanda, MB – Michał Bosek, WC – Waldemar Czado, AD – Arkadiusz Dudziak, WD – Wojciech Dulski, FO – Filmowy.org, FA – FOTOAIR, MI – Mateusz Inglot, GK – Grzegorz Karnas, CK – Cezar y Krupski, MK – Michał Kut, PK – Paweł Kasprowicz, GL – Grzegorz Leśniewski, AMw – Anita Marciniewicz-Wanarska, AM – Artur Mercik, TM – Tomasz Michalski, TMi – Tomasz Mielnik, MM – Michał Mielniczuk, MMi – Marcin Mituś, TO – Tomasz Okoniewski, KP – Krzysztof Pęczalski, KPs – Katarzyna Preuss, MP – Mateusz Pięta, MPi – Maciej Piórko, TP – Tadeusz Poźniak, TR – Tomasz Rusznica, AS – Augustyn Semko, BS – Barbara Sikorska, TS – Teatr Im. Wandy Siemaszkowej, MT – Maciej Terpiński, WS – Waldemar Sosnowski, MSu – Mateusz Surman, MSz – Mateusz Szpytma, KS – Krzysztof Szaro, RW – Ryszard Węglarz, P&W – Pratt & Whitney, PZL – PZL Mielec, KZ – Krzysztof Zajączkowski, WZ – Wojciech Zatwarnicki Photos on the cover: ŁB, TP, © Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

Graphic design, proof-reading and prepress: Mateusz Obarek, Radosław Pazdrijowski, Maciej Pokoński / Studio Gravite www.gravite.pl

Rzeszów 2018 ISBN 978-83-65940-03-2 Free copy

Rzeszรณw 2018