Once upon a time, this city was one of the largest in Poland. What does “little Krakow” offer?
This city with a rich history and numerous monuments is a gem of southern Poland. What is worth seeing in “little Krakow”?
Krakow is already one of the most popular tourist cities in Poland. Foreign guests are attracted primarily by places related to the painful history of the 20th century and the beautiful old town. It is no secret that residents are a little less interested in this huge interest. Perhaps this is a good excuse to get to know “little Krakow”.
Historic Biecz. What does it have to do with the capital of Małopolska?
Due to its location and rich history, this is how the town of Biecz in the Gorlice district is described. It obtained city rights in the 13th century, and its importance increased in the following centuries.
In the Middle Ages, there was one of the royal and princely residences here. In the years 1311-1312, Władysław the Elbow-high and his entire court stayed in the local castle. Unfortunately, the Gothic-style building was demolished in the 15th century, but there are many traces of history on site.
To this day, tourists can see fragments of the walls and defensive fortifications, including the executioner’s and blacksmith’s towers. That is why Biecz is also referred to as “Polish Carcassone”, as is the case with other cities where centuries-old fortifications have been preserved. Even in the 17th century, Biecz had a strong position and was one of the largest in the Kingdom of Poland. With historical turmoil, its importance began to weaken.
The dark side of the past also left its mark on the city – there was a school of executioners here, or rather a place where younger adepts learned this “profession”. Although the Biecz museum will present this history in a permanent exhibition, the dark mood will certainly not dominate the visit to this place.
Monuments from the Renaissance era
If you like the small-town atmosphere and Renaissance buildings of Kazimierz Dolny, you may also like Biecz.
The easiest way to plan a tour is to follow the monuments and tenement houses, including: from the 16th century. It is impossible to miss the market square with the town hall tower and the so-called Stara Apteka (in the Barian-Rokicki House). In the tower adjacent to it, the appearance of the former apothecary’s hall was recreated in detail. Later, it is worth going to the promenade on the Ropa River.
Biecz is often visited by guests from the Wapienne and Wysowa health resorts and tourists going on the trails of the Low Beskids. If you like traveling in the footsteps of history and want to avoid crowds, it is definitely worth adding to your list of places to visit in Poland.
