Zamosc, Lancut, Sandomierz, Kazimierz

 

Zamosc
This beautiful city, referred to as the "Pearl of the Renaissance" and the "Padua of the North" is situated on the south-eastern border of Poland. The city was founded in the 16th century by Jan Zamoyski, (one of the wealthiest men in Poland at the time), as a fortress. It played its role very well; no foreign army has ever captured it. The urban layout of the city centre, with over 120 monuments, is considered to have a very high artistic and historical value on a world class scale. In 1992, the city was entered into the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. A great part of the city has remained intact up to the present day: the Rynek Wielki (Old Town Square) (one of the largest 16th century squares in Europe) and the Ratusz (town hall) with the 52m clock tower and famous double stairway. The kamienice ormianskie (Armenian houses) add to the unique atmosphere in this part of the city. The most beautiful example of sacral architecture in Zamosc is the kosciol Franciszkanow (Franciscan Church). We can also see the influences of Venetian architecture in one of the most beautiful renaissance churches in Poland - Katedrze p.w. Zmartwychwstania Panskiego i sw. Tomasza Apostola (Church of the Resurrection and Thomas the apostle). The history of the fortress and its power can be seen in the exhibition at the Muzeum Barwy i Oreza - Arsenal (Arsenal museum). TheDawny Palac Zamojskich (Old Zamojski Palace), which today unfortunately is no longer reminiscent of the renaissance residence of the city's founder, is also worth visiting. The Gmach Akademii Zamojskiej (Zamojski Academy) is one of the oldest university buildings in Poland. As many Jewish residents once lived in the city, there is also a synagogue and a mikvah (a bathhouse).

 

Lancut
This is one of the most charming cities in the south-eastern region of Poland. The real pearl of the city is the castle and the many manor houses. Zamek Lancucki (The Castle) is one of the few magnate residences in Poland, which was not destroyed by the Second World War, or by the later communist regime. The beautiful 19th century buildings, with their authentic paintings, sculptures, and furniture have remained intact until the present day. Apart from the castle itself, the complex is comprised of theZameczek Romantyczny (The Romanitc Palace) which currently houses a restaurant, Oranzeria (Orangery), Glorietta, Stajnie Cugowe (the stables) and Powozownia (the carriage house). There you will find Zbiory Sztuki Cerkiewnej (the icon collection) and the famous Muzeum Powozow (Carriage Museum). The complex is surrounded by a 30-hectar English style park krajobrazowy(park) with unique greenery - the ideal place for a romantic stroll. You may also want to take note of the specialities offered in the liquor shops - local spirits (Lancucka Fabryka Wodek i Likierow) and alcohols of the world. You may also want to try the beer from the Lancut brewery. In May, the palace comes alive in bright lights as it hosts the famous music festival.

 

Sandomierz
Sandomierz is one of the oldest and most important towns in Poland. The historical part of the city is situated on the left bank of the Vistula River. The Old Town and the Katedra (Cathedral), the gothic style Dom Dlugosza (Dlugosz House) and the Brama Opatowska (The Opatow Gate) (the only one out of four remaining entrance gates into the city), have remained unharmed until the present time. The renaissance Ratusz (town hall) is one of the most beautiful buildings of its type in Poland. There is a pub called Lapidarium underneath it. While taking a walk, you can marvel at the beauty of the tenement buildings surrounding the market square, specifically the kamienica Olesnickich. Theunderground tourist route, which was created by connecting the old merchant cellars and storage areas running under the tenement buildings in the market square, is one of the town's main attractions. It is almost 470 m long, some parts reaching a depth of 12 metres. You may also want to visit the ruins of the Castle (built in the 14th century). Today, there is a cafe and a museum inside.

The remains of the brick kosciol sw. Jakuba (St. James' Church) - the oldest and most valuable monument in the town (built between the 13th and 15th centuries) can be visited. Some of the surrounding attractions are the Wawoz krolowej Jadwigi (Gorge of Queen Jadwiga) and thePiszcze Gorge, as well as the Gory Pieprzowe - a unique geological and natural reserve, covering an area of about 18 hectares. You may want to visit the Kurhan Salve Regina - the mythical resting place of the founder of the town of Sedomir.

 

Kazimierz Dolny
This lovely town, a favourite among artists, is situated on the banks of the Vistula River, some 140 km away from Warsaw. You can marvel at the Rynek along with its many renaissance tenement buildings, the most beautiful being the Celejowski House. The centre is always full of life: tourists strolling or sitting in one of the outdoor cafes and the artists painting. Kazimierz has many unforgettable views, like the ones which can be seen from the Baszta, (watchtower) castle ruins or Gora Trzech Krzyzy (Three Crosses Hill). The Rynek leads to the pearl of the town, Kosciol ss. Jana Chrzciciela i Bartlomieja z kaplica Gorskich (the John the Baptist Paris church), where the oldest organs, from the 17thcentury, can be found. They can be heard during the summer Organ Concert series. The Festival of Folk Bands and Singers, an antique car show and a film festival all take place during the tourist season.