In the recent years Podkarpackie has become a very popular tourist destination. Everyone will enjoy a hiking trip in the Bieszczady Mountains with a short break on the summit of Mount Tarnica, or a boat ride on Lake Solina, or a walking tour in one of the outdoor museums... You should remember, however, that the region has a lot more to offer besides the most popular attractions. There are many places waiting to be discovered, and some of them are real gems that will impress even the most seasoned travellers. Here are five attractions in Podkarpackie that will give you a surprise.
1. Kremenaros – the place where three borders meet
Mount Krzemieniec, also known as Kremenaros, is a true rarity for those looking for special attractions. Indeed, how often can you stand at an intersection of three national borders? Mount Krzemieniec is this type of unique place. This is where the borders of Poland, Ukraine and Slovakia meet. The site is marked with a triangular monument with the emblems of each neighbour. The Polish border post number 1 is also located here. The approach to the tripoint is impressive in itself. The route leads through Mounts Mała Rawka and Wielka Rawka, some of the most scenic areas in the Bieszczady Mountains. It is a perfect option for a nice one-day trip to be enjoyed at every step.
2. Devil’s Rock in Monasterz
The huge stone known as the Devil's Rock is one of the most mysterious attractions of the Lubaczów area. It stands out among the formations of the so-called Bear’s Hump. Its fascinating features: original shape, peculiar indentations and unusual placement, as if someone had deliberately put it there, invariably appeal to people’s imagination. It is no surprise this place is shrouded in legends... One of them says that the rock is a pagan sacrificial table which has survived to our times.
3. Jaśliska – Subcarpathian Hollywood
This picturesque village located among the gentle hills of the Beskid Niski region is sometimes referred to as the Subcarpathian Hollywood. Because of its unique climate, quaint cottages and interesting scenery, it is an excellent film setting. One of the movies which was filmed here is Wino truskawkowe (Strawberry wine), a Polish and Slovak comedy based on Opowieści Galicyjskie (Tales of Galicia) by Andrzej Stasiuk, starring renowned Polish actors, Maciej Stuhr, Marian Dziędziel and Robert Więckiewicz. The village of Jaśliska also provided a backdrop for highly acclaimed movie Corpus Christi, directed by Jan Komasa. The production was awarded at major film festivals in Poland and abroad. It was also nominated for Oscar in the category of Best International Feature Film. A walk through Jaśliska following the footsteps of the film characters and discovering interesting places in the village is a real treat not only for film fans.
4. Pipe organ in Leżajsk
Pipe organs in the Basilica of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, part of the Bernardine Monastery in Leżajsk, rank among the most valuable artefacts of this type in Europe. Built in the 17th century, the instrument stands out not only for its unique sound and structure, but also for the magnificent ornaments. This is also the only instrument of its kind on which three organists can play simultaneously. It has 75 registers and consists of about six thousand pipes. It is also equipped with additional effects such as cuckoo’s voice and bird twitter. The instrument is not aided by any electronics. At the top of the organ we can see a moving eagle with a crown. Each year the Bernardine Basilica hosts world famous artists who perform during the International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music. This is one of the greatest attractions in the town.
5. Gliding centre in Bezmiechowa
The gliding centre in Bezmiechowa is a fascinating place not only for enthusiasts of aerial acrobatics. The impression of immensity and infinite space will also take the breath away from those standing firmly on the ground. The area is located on a summit offering the most beautiful panorama in the Słonne Mountains, in the heart of the landscape reserve. Bezmiechowa is even more fascinating if you get to know the history of the place. The Gliding School with a status of a national training centre was launched here as early as 1932. Before the war, it provided training to over 2,000 Polish pilots, including future fighter aces, as well as 300 foreign pilots. The school attracted student pilots not only from Poland and Europe, but also from the Americas. It was from here that Captain Tadeusz Góra set off on his incredible flight towards Vilnius. He covered over 577 km in his glider without stopping. For this feat, he received the Otto Lilienthal Gliding Medal, being the first pilot in history to be awarded this way. Today, the gliding centre of the Rzeszów University of Technology operates here. From the summit, you can admire the beautiful panorama of the Bieszczady and the Sanocko-Turczańskie Mountains.