The heritage of the Boykos and Lemkos
Before the Second World War and the forced resettlements, the Bieszczady were inhabited by the Boykos and Lemkos — East Slavic peoples, mostly Greek Catholic. After the resettlements many villages vanished; what survived above all were the wooden churches, today often Roman Catholic churches or protected monuments.
They are among the most important traces of the region's lost culture — churches scattered through the valleys, of a distinctive construction and sometimes with the iconostasis still in place.
Smolnik and the UNESCO list
The church at Smolnik (on the San) is one of the wooden churches of the Carpathian region of Poland and Ukraine inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a simple, harmonious wooden building in the Boyko style — one of the most valuable on the trail.
Visiting
- Scattered sites — easiest to see by car as a route
- Smolnik — the UNESCO site and the best-known stop
- Working churches and monuments — access varies, often seasonal
- Keep quiet and respect these places of worship
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- Scattered through the valleys of the Bieszczady
- Key site
- The church at Smolnik (UNESCO)
- Visiting
- Easiest by car as a route
- Access
- Varies, often seasonal — check in advance
- Conduct
- Quiet, and dress suited to a place of worship
- Time needed
- Half a day to a whole day (several sites)
When to go
Quiet, with green valleys — pleasant for a drive along the route.
The height of the season — easier access and more visitors.
The golden valleys of the Bieszczady around the churches — very photogenic.
Access is often limited; the snow-covered churches have great atmosphere.
Other sights in Bieszczady
Straight-line distances from „The trail of wooden Eastern-rite churches" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The trail of wooden Eastern-rite churches within walking distance or a short drive.
