Culturally Attractive Area – Beskid Żywiecki

Description

You have just entered the borders of the culturally attractive area of Beskid Żywiecki. The area took its name from the mountain range, as it covers its western part.

This place, regardless of the season, is interesting especially to active leisure lovers. The weather plays no role in exploring the beauty of Beskidy Mountains. If the weather does not encouraged to play some sport, the rich cultural heritage of this region offers a valid alternative. Its stormy past as well as the position on the Polish-Slovak, border left permanent traces in the culture and customs of the inhabitants of Beskid Żywiecki. So, please, pay careful attention not to overlook places which should not be omitted.

The area in which you are now is an area of historical Żywiecczyzna, which capital has always been Żywiec. The history of this region was documented first in 1423, when Prince Kazimierz bought the district of Żywiecczyzna. After 30 years, he gave it to the Count Piotr Komorowski. Since then the region has flourished: new infrastructure and villages were created. For the next period of development the district of Żywiecczyzna had to wait until 1838 when the local estates were bought by the Habsburgs. Gradual development of the pulp and paper industry started, spinning mills were created, as well as factories processing iron. Most interestingly, the 19th century sees the development of mountain tourism in the region.

Traces of the history of the Beskidy Mountains can be found mainly in the architecture. Treats for wooden architecture lovers can be find in St. Catherine church  in Cięcin – one of the largest wooden churches in Podbeskidzie region. The interior impresses with Baroque altar and pulpit. speechAdditionally, you can visit the wooden presbytery.

In the village of Rajcza, with the approval of King Jan Kazimierz, the first church was built in 1674, to which the king himself gave as gift the icon of the Black Madonna of Kazimierz (of Czestochowa), while the parish was established here in the 19th century. In the same century a new church was built combining two architectural styles: Neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic. Two more styles, Baroque and its culmination - Rococo, can be admired in Jeleśnia, at the church of St. Adalbert. It is an excellent example of Baroque religious art with the an extra jewel inside – a Rococo altar. Those who do not see it will regret.

As most of you managed to get to Jeleśnia, your efforts will be triple rewarded. You can visit the „Stara Karczma” (Old Inn), one of Europe's oldest original inn. It is not only a monument; you can enjoy there also kwaśnica (kind of soup) from pork snout as well as knuckle prepared in different ways. At the end we suggest a walk to the old wooden house of a former organist. In order to stop time, it held the Regionalna Izba Pracy Twórczej (Regional Chamber of Creative Work) inside.

Those who take the road towards Milówka are welcome in the ”stara Chałupa” (Old Cottage). Furniture, dishes and sometimes forgotten tools will allow you to appreciate the achievements of modern civilization. How working days in the Beskid village looked like you can discover in the private Museum of Jasiek Talik, named ”Ocalenie” (Salvation) in Cisiec Mały. It is an unique facility of the kind, created from scratch by the only hands of Ithe late Jan Talik. It is worth to apprehend with what a passion he created his museum.

Now we are moving rapidly from wood to concrete, from the comforts of home to war turmoil. That is because in Węgierska Górka we can find group of war shelters. In one of them, named the ”Wędrowiec” (Wanderer), you can learn about the secrets of building fortifications from 1939. Sensation guaranteed.

the culturally attractive area of Beskid Żywiecki is relatively well located in terms of communication. The troubles caused by the mountain area are compensated by the scenery. One may find here private pensions or hostels of different standards. In summer time, in villages and mountain shelters, are waiting also bigger and smaller local dining options.

Those with an increased appetite for further discovering of Beskid Żywiecki may visit the website www.kultura.slask.pl.