Churches & monasteries

Wooden Churches of the Bieszczady

Churches worth seeing

The Bieszczady are one of Poland’s most rewarding regions for exploring wooden church architecture. Historic churches connected with former Lemko and Bojko villages survive here. The church in Smolnik on the San and the church complex in Turzańsk belong to the UNESCO property “Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine”, inscribed in 2013.

Lemko and Bojko heritage

In the Osława valley, combine Turzańsk and its Church of St Michael the Archangel with Komańcza, Szczawne and Rzepedź. Their histories and current statuses differ, so check whether each church is Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic or filial before planning an interior visit. In the Bojko area, see Smolnik, Chmiel and Równia. Smolnik stands out for its hilltop setting, while Równia is known for its 18th-century origins.

History in timber

The churches are remnants of multicultural settlements where different communities once lived side by side. After World War II, deportations and Operation Vistula broke the continuity of many villages, while the churches changed owners and functions. Interiors may preserve iconostases, polychrome decoration and icons, but access is not uniform.

Route and visiting

A driving loop can run from Zagórz through Szczawne, Turzańsk, Rzepedź and Komańcza. Smolnik is reached via road 896 in the San valley; Chmiel and Równia add driving. Many buildings can be viewed from outside, while interiors may open only during services or after an arrangement with the parish. Check hours and access rules for each church separately.