Jan Wewiór's Moving Nativity Scene in Olsztyn

Below the castle ruins in Olsztyn, a Jurassic Highland village near Częstochowa, folk artist Jan Wewiór has been carving a moving nativity scene for years, which he calls "Bethlehem under the Thatch". It has more than 800 figures carved from lime wood, almost half of which move, and new pieces keep appearing. The scene is housed in a historic, roughly hundred-year-old cottage from the late 19th century at ul. Kühna 1, close to the market square, and is part of the Silesian Voivodeship's Wooden Architecture Route.

A dream from Wambierzyce

After the Second World War the artist's parents moved from Częstochowa to the Kłodzko area, where Jan was born; he carved from early childhood. In nearby Wambierzyce he was captivated by the famous moving nativity scene and dreamt of making his own. He worked on his "Bethlehem" for more than 15 years and is still extending it. It is all meticulous handwork, and in 2006 the scene received the Częstochowa Tourist Organisation's certificate as a tourist product.

What to see

• Biblical scenes from the life of the Holy Family and Mary, alongside everyday life on the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland: peasants working in the fields and tending cattle, craftsmen, a dancing bridal couple, Pauline monks at the monastery gate.
• The ruins of Olsztyn Castle as the backdrop to the whole composition.
• Angels – cheerful ones with instruments, or slender, serious ones with dragonfly wings, the symbol of Olsztyn.
• The yard, where, for lack of space, pieces such as St Mary's Church and a witch's cottage have ended up.
• Cellars with an exhibition on the history of the Olsztyn area and the defence of the castle.

Did you know?

The artist guides visitors himself, and he knows how to tell a story: he was named Master of Polish Speech for 2007. Jan Wewiór also carved the seven-metre "Olsztyn Guardian Angel" that greets visitors at the entrance to the village. On site you can buy hand-carved, colourful "Olsztyn Angels", certified as a regional souvenir.

Tripto tips

• The gallery is open daily, but visits to the nativity scene must be arranged by phone: +48 607 414 806. Sources give different gallery hours (9:00–17:00 or 9:00–18:00), so call before you go.
• Address: ul. Kühna 1, 42-256 Olsztyn (Częstochowa County). Do not confuse it with the city of Olsztyn in Warmia.
• Allow at least half an hour for the scene, the artist's stories and the cellars.
• The visit combines easily with a walk up to the castle ruins that tower over the village.