The Church of Saint James in Powroznik – The Oldest Wooden Church in the Polish Carpathians
The Church of Saint James in Powroznik is a remarkable example of historical wooden sacred architecture that has been part of the Beskid Sadecki landscape for over four hundred years. Built in the year 1600, it is considered the oldest preserved wooden church in the Polish Carpathians. Originally located elsewhere, it was moved to its current site in 1814 after a nearby flood posed a threat. The building impresses with its harmonious blend of traditional Eastern church architecture and Baroque interior elements. Initially a Greek Catholic church, since 1951 it has served as a Roman Catholic church. Today, experts and visitors alike regard the Church of Saint James in Powroznik as one of the most valuable highlights of the Wooden Architecture Route in Malopolska. Since 2013, it has also been part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Surrounded by hills and Carpathian valleys, it is an excellent destination for anyone interested in authentic wooden religious architecture and the history of the Lemko people who once inhabited this region.
An Exceptional Interior and Priceless Treasures of the Church in Powroznik
What sets the church in Powroznik apart from other wooden monuments is its vibrant and well-preserved interior. The very layout of the church - tripartite and single-naved - along with its characteristic log construction and tented dome over the nave, immediately captures the attention. However, it is the polychrome paintings and antique furnishings that make this place truly unique. Artists adorned the sacristy walls with a figural polychrome in 1607 - one of the oldest and most valuable in the region. Comprising numerous biblical scenes, it depicts, among others, the Crucifixion, the Sacrifice of Abraham, and Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments. Visitors should also give particular attention to the original eighteenth-century iconostasis - although now partially dismantled, it still makes a strong impression with its composition of icons and sculptural details. The Church of Saint James in Powroznik also features a Baroque main altar with an icon of the Virgin Mary and Child, a Rococo pulpit, and several other sacred icons, such as the Last Judgement from 1623 and the Lamentation of Christ from 1646. These are true treasures of religious art that transport visitors into a different dimension of experiencing history.
How to Plan a Visit to the Church of Saint James in Powroznik
The Church of Saint James in Powroznik is located on the route between Muszyna and Krynica-Zdroj and is easily accessible from nearby towns. From Lemon Resort Spa, it is just over an hour’s drive, and the journey itself - through the picturesque Roznow Foothills and the Beskid Mountains - is a scenic attraction in its own right. There is a small car park next to the church. Admission is free, and during the tourist season (from April to September), the site is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In the remaining months, the church is open from Wednesday to Sunday with slightly shorter visiting hours. It is advisable to book in advance with a guide, who will not only unlock the church but also offer fascinating insights into its history and symbolism.
