Sanok.TV

The historic Sanok castle is home to two very unique exhibitions, each growing in popularity year after year. Since the mid 20th century, iconography of surrounding area orthodox churches have been gathered here. Today, this collection includes hundreds of items and is the richest of its kind in all of Poland, rivaling those in Ukraine. A separate gallery presents works of Zdzislaw Beksinski, painter artist born in Sanok and emotionally connected with Sanok throughout his life. The museum houses over 600 works of this world class surrealist. In addition, visitors tour renaissance quarters of the castle, peek at antique weaponry, coins and artifacts from various archaeological sites in the area.

This annual cultural event caters mainly to enthusiasts of entertainment music. Municipal office goes to great lengths to ensure popularity of the festival, securing participation of recognized music artists. Some of those invited the the event over the years include well-known Polish music scene performers: Elektryczne Gitary, Stare Dobre Malzenstwo, Alicja Majewska, Wanka Wstanka, Twierdza, Sound'n'Grace, Joe Cocker Project, Power Play, MeGustar and Shantel. Invited are also folk dance and song groups from south-eastern Poland and Slovakia. Sports tournaments organized during the festival, including women's volleyball tournament, add to the appeal of this popular event.

Sponsored by Sanok County, this annual event is a showcase for local home artists, who proudly display their Easter-theme crafts. In a place where diverse ethnic groups have been merging for centuries, traditions of Easter are exceptionally rich. Local craftsmen exhibit decorations, pisanki [peesanki] (decorated eggs) and kraszanki [krashanki] (coloured eggs). Successive generations of Sanok area residents keep traditions of their grandfathers and grandmothers alive, while enriching them to create a colourful festival of Easter art. Not only Polish folk art enthusiasts flock to marvel at creativity displayed. Slovak and Ukrainian visitors, too, arrive in numbers to both gaze and timidly present their own creations.

Mystic domain of Bies [byǝs] and Czad [tchad], two malevolent Slavic demons, attracts with its unique ambiance, beautiful scenery, tranquility and untamed nature. These hills allow hikers to separate themselves from mundane reality and look at lives of people below from a distant perspective. No wonder those who once entered this magical place, come back often, if only in thoughts. Some, having arrived once, found themselves unable to leave. Known as zakapior [zakapyor], they live their solitary lives next to bison, lynx, wildcat and aesculapian snakes. Once a true 'wild west', today, Bieszczady with a rich accommodation and catering offering are ready for crowds of intrepid wayfarers.

Established at the end of the 20th century, the trail leads from Sanok Heritage Museum, housed in the local castle, to several nearby villages where Byzantine culture is still alive. Visitors marvel at eastern architecture, iconography and get acquainted with Greek-orthodox liturgy. A true hidden gem on the trail is the oldest orthodox church in Poland, located in Ulucz. Built entirely of wood, it dates back to the 16th century. The trail is more than a destination for art history enthusiasts, however. Picturesque scenery of San river valley is a dream come true for nature lovers, hikers and photographers. 70-km trail can be traversed by foot, on horseback, bicycle or in an automobile. Organized tours with a guide are available.

The largest of ethnographic parks in Poland presents a very rich offering of local timber architecture dating back to the 19th century. Four distinct ethnic groups (Lemkos, Bojkos [boykos], Lowland-dwellers and Upland-dwellers) are well represented here, introducing visitors to the rich cultural diversity of the area. Most of the structures are real historic buildings (a tavern, a school, huts, churches, shops, bee-hives) moved to the museum from nearby villages. Interiors have been well furnished with actual historic artifacts (furniture, textiles, tools and utensils) from the time, presenting the daily lives of Sanok Land people. A well spent day for a whole family. The museum is open year-round.