San and Vistula Valley
On the border of regions
XML, 72.63kB
About this route
A flat, straight route, though, as it turns out, with slight off-road elements, will lead you through fields and forests of northern Podkarpackie right on the border with the Lublin region. Along the way, you will find many monuments testifying to the history of this region, primarily those that recall its habitation by the Ruthenian people, who were relocated after World War II. The biggest attractions are two almost identical churches - former Orthodox churches - in Dąbrowica and in Leżajsk's Old Town.
Practical advices
Although this route is not demanding, it is worth preparing for it properly, so that nothing surprises you at any point. Start with the most important thing, which is your helmet. A good helmet is essential for your safety. Take care also of proper lighting, both front and rear. In addition to bike lights, equip your bike with reflectors so that you are highly visible on the road.
What else is worth taking with you on a trip? Make sure to pack a sweatshirt or a rail jacket in your backpack, in case the weather changes. It is also a good idea to bring snacks to give you energy during the trip. Protein bars or energy mousses work well.
If you plan to take visit the attractions along the route, you will need to leave your bike behind in some places. To make sure it is still there after the tour, be sure to bring a bike safety device such as a U-Lock or any bicycle lock.
Dolina Sanu i Wisły
Audiodeskrypcja tekstowa
Route details
Leżajsk – Dąbrowica – LeżajskStart
- 1Leżajsk0 kmLeżajsk
Take the market square in Leżajsk as your starting point. It is one of the best-preserved market squares in Podkarpackie, with only one modern building integrated into the streetscape. The eclectic town hall and the Baroque church on Jarosławska Street are captivating. Head in that direction, following Jarosławska Street for the next kilometre, then turn left onto Kpt. Kuczka Street. After the railway crossing, stay on the right side. Continue straight through Wierzawice and the vast riverside agricultural fields beyond them until you reach the San River and Rzuchów on the other bank. At the crossroads, turn right, following the signpost towards Sieniawa. As you travel through the village, you will pass a Greek Catholic chapel – a true miniature Orthodox church – and then a modern church. Keep going straight, having the fertile oxbow lake of the San River on your right, cross the small village of Paluchy, then Pigany, and turn left to Rudka after the timber buildings. At the fork 100m ahead, stay on the right. You will pass a cluster of buildings near the forest and delve into the dense vegetation. The road will take you straight, and after 2km, you will emerge in Rudka. At the church – as you probably guess from its structure: a former Greek Catholic church – and a historic wooden church next to it, turn right, following the main road. After 200m, turn left at a cross surrounded by trees. Through the fields, you will enter Cieplice. At the church, turn right and head in a general northern direction. You will immerse yourself in a forest, and after about 4km, you will arrive in the hamlet of Szegdy. The name sounds a bit un-Polish? Indeed, it is likely a remnant from Hungarian settlers from the region of the city of Szeged, but we're not entirely sure about that. Note: the last stretch of this otherwise straightforward route might be overgrown, and you might face 200 m of off-road. By the way, you are less than a kilometre from the border with the Lublin region. Exit the main road of the village in a south-western direction. You will cut through about 2km of forest and find yourself in Kolonia Polska. At the intersection, turn slightly to the right.
- 2Dąbrowica35.9 kmDąbrowica
Entering the village, you will come across the Czartoryski manor hidden in a grove. Unfortunately, it is a ruin, but its former grandeur is still evident – the tower stands tall above the two-storey building, showcasing remnants of Neo-Gothic stucco work. Similarly monumental is the portico, supported by six Doric columns, devoid of a roof but maintaining silent dignity in its misfortune. Proceed to the village centre and continue straight past the church, heading towards Brzyska Wola. The spectacular temple in the Neoclassical style seems almost out of place amidst the modest village buildings. Built on the same plan as the church of St. Andrew Bobola in Leżajsk, it differs only in a few details. In this former church, a large part of the gold-dazzling iconostasis has been preserved. Notice its proportionality and the light impression it gives. You will continue travelling along the edge of the forest, passing a modest wooden church from the second half of the 19th century. The difference between this and the church highlights that the Polish, Catholic population here was a minority until the post-World War II displacements. You will enter the forest. At the end of this road, turn left towards Leżajsk. The distance from the bend to the end of the forest is 5.5 kilometres. You will emerge in Kuryłówka, a large village famed for the battle of Polish underground soldiers against a Soviet NKVD unit. The monument commemorating the battle is located in the south of the village. By the monument of the pacification victims, retaliated by the Soviet units, turn left to take the regional road no. 877 through the fields and reach the San River. Following this road, you will enter the area of Leżajsk known as the Old Town. Keep an eye out for the church of St. Andrew Bobola. Does it remind you of something you have seen before? Of course, and it is no surprise, for it was also a church. However, it lacks some elements of church equipment. Staying on this route, you will cross the railway line and reach a roundabout. Choose the second exit. Nearby, you will find the interesting Museum of the Leżajsk Land, and after a few moments, you will enter the town square.
- 3Leżajsk54.1 kmLeżajsk
Your trip ends near the starting point.
Attractions near this route
Gallery
