Discover Polany

Polany in the Beskid Niski

Polany is located in the Beskid Niski, in the municipality of Krempna and near the Slovak border. This gives you an initial geographical point of reference when choosing your destination. Polany is best discovered through two themes: the landscape around it and the long history of the Lemko community. If, on your trip to Poland, you are looking for both a place with a distinctive history and a setting surrounded by nature, these highlights can help you focus your plans for Polany.

The village lies in a valley surrounded by forests and the peaks of Magura National Park. The valley, forest, and hills together shape the landscape. This provides a practical point of reference for planning your trip if the surroundings are an important factor in choosing a holiday destination. Polany therefore offers a landscape that can be clearly distinguished from the village’s cultural history: on one hand, its valley setting and wooded heights; on the other, its Lemko past and architectural heritage.

Lemko history and architecture

Polany has a long history of Lemko settlement. For centuries, the village was an important centre of the religious and cultural life of this community. This historical context gives the village a distinctive cultural dimension and is of interest to visitors who want to include regional history in their choice of destinations when travelling through Poland. This history can be seen in a specific building: the former Greek Catholic Church of St. John Chrysostom in Polany.

The church was built in 1914 and is an example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. Its floor plan follows the shape of a Greek cross. A substantial centrally positioned dome rises above it and dominates the building. These features give you concrete points of reference for understanding the church’s architecture: the cruciform floor plan and prominent dome define the impression of the building, while its Neo-Byzantine design provides a distinct architectural point of reference. Its former Greek Catholic character and construction date of 1914 are also part of its history.

The Lemko “chyże” are also among Polany’s attractions. Together with the church, they give the village’s cultural heritage a clear place in your travel plans. The church’s architecture offers a well-defined focus; the chyże add another Lemko feature to the attractions. This allows you to appreciate Polany both for its landscape and for its cultural character, rather than basing your choice of destination on just one of these aspects.

Which side of Polany suits your trip?

If you are mainly looking for a scenic setting, the valley, forests, and peaks of Magura National Park are the key points of reference. If you are especially interested in the village’s history, its long Lemko settlement and the Church of St. John Chrysostom provide a specific cultural focus. Both interests come together in Polany without needing to be treated as the same thing: the landscape describes the surroundings, while the church and history tell the story of the village’s cultural past.

When looking for accommodation, it is also helpful to first decide which of these aspects matters most to you during your stay. The valley setting, Lemko history, and attractions are the specific themes you can use to guide your plans and find your way around the village.

Discover more destinations: Jasło, Nowy Żmigród, Kołaczyce, Krempna, Nawsie Kołaczyckie.

Return to the regional travel overview: Jasielski.