The Open-Air Museum of the Pogorzanska Village in Szymbark
The Open-Air Museum of the Pogorzanska Village in Szymbark offers a living history experience that immerses visitors into the lives of the former residents of the Gorlice Foothills. Covering an area of two hectares, the museum features around a dozen historic buildings relocated from various parts of the region. These include cottages, craft workshops, and farm buildings, all carefully restored to reflect village life from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Most interiors are furnished with original equipment from the late 1800s, early 1900s, and the interwar period. The initiative to preserve the cultural heritage of the Gorlice region began in the 1960s and was spearheaded by renowned ethnographers. The museum officially opened in 1987 and has since become a prominent attraction in southern Poland, drawing families, lovers of culture, and history enthusiasts alike. Its location, adjacent to a Renaissance-era fortified manor and a historic wooden townhouse, adds to its appeal as an exceptional destination.
What to See at the Open-Air Museum of the Pogorzanska Village?
The Open-Air Museum of the Pogorzanska Village in Szymbark features a remarkable collection of traditional wooden cottages from the 19th and early 20th centuries. A highlight is a modest peasant hut from Siary, where a single room functioned as a kitchen and cowshed, still retaining the scent of smoke.
Another notable structure is the granary from Roznowice, which dates back to the late 18th century and is one of the oldest in the region. Originally part of a parish farmstead, it featured a woodshed on the ground floor and grain storage above. Additional attractions include historic windmills from Kryg and Ropa, a blacksmith’s forge from Turza, a ceramic kiln, and workshops for weaving and pottery, all reflecting the area’s rich rural heritage.
Planning Your Visit to the Open-Air Museum of the Pogorzanska Village
The Open-Air Museum in Szymbark is an excellent day trip while staying at Lemon Resort Spa. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Grodek and Dunajcem, offering a scenic route through the rolling landscapes of the Rożnów and Gorlice Foothills.
The museum is open year-round, making it easy to combine your visit with nearby attractions, such as a Renaissance-style noble manor and a charming wooden townhouse from 1920. The museum frequently hosts workshops and outdoor events, allowing visitors to experience life as it once was. It is a good idea to check in advance for any special activities planned during your visit.
Plan your trip to the Open-Air Museum of the Pogorzanska Village and immerse yourself in a world of tradition, history, and folk craftsmanship!
