Greek Catholic fortified tserkva of St Onuphrius in Posada Rybotycka

Just as the architecture of Romanesque churches had a defensive value, so in insecure territories also Orthodox churches could serve as fortified points for the defence of people and property. The church in Posada Rybotycka is an example of this type of sacral architecture, at the same time being probably the oldest existing tserkva in Poland. It was built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, with the oldest part being the presbytery separated from the nave by a brick iconostasis. The windows were made as shot holes and the tower gave a good view of the immediate surroundings. The stone wall around and the foundation of the temple on an elevation also enhance the defensive capabilities. Inside, there are numerous polychromes and examples of vandalism from the 16th century - inscriptions carved into the wall. It is not currently in cult use but, is owned by the Greek Catholic Church.