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Nativity Scene in Olsztyn (Jura)

In the Jura town of Olsztyn, about 15 km south-east of Częstochowa, an all-year moving nativity scene carved from linden wood has been built for over a decade by the local artist Jan Wewiór. Known as Jurajskie Betlejemowo (the Jura Bethlehem), the workshop-display is listed on the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesian Voivodeship.

The scene counts more than 800 figures, of which around 300 move. Every character here has its own guardian angel — one of the work's distinctive features. The nativity scene is housed in the artist's historic, colourfully painted cottage on Kuhna Street, near the market square and the road to Biskupice.

The castle's history in wood

In the cellars of the cottage Wewiór has arranged scenes from the legends and history of Olsztyn castle, whose ruins tower over the town; guided by the author's stories. The same artist created the 7-metre Olsztyn Angel greeting travellers at the town entrance, the Way of the Cross at the Olsztyn Mausoleum and the small carved figures sold in the cottage and by the castle.

In practice

The nativity scene is open all year: daily 9 am–5 pm in season, though in winter it may open only at weekends, so call before visiting (tel. +48 607 414 806). Address: ul. Kuhna 1, Olsztyn.