Painted village of Zalipie

The village of Zalipie is famous for its white cottages painted in delightful floral patterns.

Today, folk art lovers from all over the world make pilgrimages to it, with the Japanese reportedly leading the way, but once the colorful paintings were simply a way to forget about the surrounding poverty and be transported to another world. When going to the Beskids, try to find a couple of hours to visit this enchanted place. You will not regret your decision!

The former Austrian province of Galicia, which included most of the Małopolska region, was one of the poorest regions of the Habsburg Empire. The wooden, whitewashed huts in the villages often had no chimneys, as a result of which their walls were quickly covered with soot. Local women, however, found a way to break the hopelessness and greyness…. taking paintbrushes in their hands. Under such circumstances, the tradition of painting was established – first inside and later also outside the houses.

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Painted huts can be encountered in Zalipie at almost every turn. One of the most beautiful is the Felicja Curyłowa’s Household, a folk painter who made the country and the world know about this small village. Every year around the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi, a contest is held for the most beautiful household, in which villagers compete. A lavish festival is then held on the first Sunday after the feast, combined with the announcement of the winners.

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You will find delightfully sincere and simple paintings and embroidered ornaments not only on houses, but also in the local church, specifically in the St. Blaise Chapel located there. Probably the best way to get to know the place, however, is simply to take a slow, aimless walk. Reserve plenty of space on your phone, card or photographic film – the frames from Zalipie are addictive!

Website of the House of the Painters in Zalipie