Olkusz Land Firefighting Museum

The Stefan Ząbczyński Olkusz Land Firefighting Museum is a small institution on ul. Floriańska in Olkusz, a few steps from the market square. Open since 1978, it displays 19th- and 20th-century firefighting equipment: horse-drawn pumps, engines, helmets, belts, axes, uniforms and a fire engine from the Second World War. One of its most valuable exhibits is a 17th-century alarm bell dating from 1647, which once rang in the church of the Augustinian monastery.

History: a museum born of one man's passion

The collection exists thanks to Stefan Ząbczyński (1912–2002), a long-standing figure in the Olkusz fire brigade – sources describe him as its chief or its long-serving president. In 1978 he co-founded the museum and then served as its curator for many years; today it bears his name. Ząbczyński was also a teacher and a Home Army soldier with the codename "Zet", and in 1995 he was made an Honorary Citizen of Olkusz.

What to see

• The "Jasiek" fire engine from the Second World War, alongside historic pumps and horse-drawn fire pumps.
• The 1647 alarm bell – formerly used in the Augustinian church and now one of the oldest exhibits.
• The oldest helmet, from 1888 – leather, with gilded fittings and a crest; it belonged to Edward Chmielewski, the first chief of the Olkusz fire brigade.
• More than 30 banners, not only firefighters' ones, plus documents, photographs, uniforms, medals, coins, weapons and personal mementoes of Olkusz firefighters.

Tripto tips

The museum is open Monday to Friday, and visits are by advance telephone booking – call a day or two before you come. About 45 minutes is enough for the exhibition, and photography is allowed. Sources give the building number differently, Floriańska 8 or 5, so confirm the entrance when you book. The visit combines easily with a walk round the market square, St Andrew's Basilica and the PTTK Regional Museum in a townhouse on the square.