Wooden architecture

Fine wooden architecture is abundant in the Malopolska region. We would like to invite you on a tour of the uniquely beautiful wooden structures within the city of Tarnow and the surrounding towns and villages. Cottages, mansions, and churches were all constructed with wood; the oldest and largest number coming from the 15 th century. Dozens of these churches between the Raba and the Wisloka Rivers have endured the elements and still maintain their original structure today. These buildings symbolize the strength and religious devotion of the local people, that has also weathered many tough times. Although many of the structures are very old, some of the most recent ones were built in the 20 th century. Many of them have one nave, a high shingled roof and face the West.

Wooden churches were built when stone was scarce and timber was readily available. The preferred timber was Larch and the method of construction consisted of placing long boards of wood on top of one another one by one and then linking them at the corners. In the late 13 th century when Gothic influence reached Poland, apart from the Romanesque, churches became more elaborate and elegant. Brick Gothic churches were inspirational and heavily influenced the style of wooden churches, causing a common structure of a closed triangular presbytery and Gothic portals. Additionally, construction of the rooves became more detailed and complex.

Polish churches were built in Gothic style until the late 17 th and even 18 th century, despite the popularity and dominance of Renaissance art and architecture at that time.

Biesiadki maintains the parish Church of Sw Mateusz Apostol Ewangelista (St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist) that was built in 1661 in Baroque and Gothic styles. Its interior has: buttresses with vaults, a woodwork portal and door, Gothic furnishings in the main entrance, and Baroque objects dated to the 17 th -19 th centuries.

Binarowa is the home of the Gothic church of Sw Michal Archaniol (St. Michael the Archangel), which was founded around the turn of the 16 th century and was thoroughly renovated in 1641 and 1890. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Bochnia has a belfry located next to the parish church of Sw Mikolaj B. The bells are recreations of the originals built in 1609, which burned in 1983.

Dabrowa Tarnowska contains the church of Wszyscy Sweci (All Saints) that was built in 1771 in Baroque style and its interior, mainly in Rococo, dates back to the end of the 18 th century.

Dolega Mansion is a one-story structure built around 1845 in a very classic style and consisting of a main edifice with two wings