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Zalipie, Poland: Everything You NEED To Know

ByAisling Hours

Zalipie, Poland, is one of the prettiest villages in Poland – and also one of the best-kept secrets! If you’re interested in visiting Zalipie, Poland, read on for everything you need to know about visiting the pretty village!

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What Makes Zalipie So Special?

Zalipie, Poland

Zalipie, Poland, is a picturesque village located in the Lesser Poland region of the country. It is best known for its traditional, brightly-painted cottages, which have become a symbol of the region.

The village of Zalipie has been around since the 19th century, and the tradition of painting the cottages dates back to the late 1800s. Initially, the cottages were painted white and decorated with flowers to ward off evil spirits. Later on, more elaborate patterns were added, and eventually, the cottages were painted with a variety of colours.

The unique folk art of painting the cottages in Zalipie has been passed down through generations, and today the village is known for its vibrant and colourful houses. The art of painting has become so popular that the village even hosts an annual Painted Cottage Festival, which celebrates the art of folk painting and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The practice of painting the cottages has been recognised by UNESCO and added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the village of Zalipie is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can admire the cottages and learn more about the history.

Remember: Real people still live in these beautiful cottages (I wish I was one of them!), so please be respectful and don’t trespass.

Where is Zalipie?

Where is Zalipie? Zalipie is located in the Lesser Poland region of Poland. The village is situated in the southeastern part of the country, about 70 km from the city of Krakow.

Zalipie Map

Felicja Curyłowa – The Famous Artist

Zalipie, Poland

Felicja Curyłowa was a Polish folk artist who was born in the village of Zalipie in 1904. She is best known for her vibrant, colourful paintings on the traditional cottages of the village.

Since she was a young girl, Felicja had been fascinated by the traditional art of painting cottages, and she devoted her life to perfecting her craft. She painted her own cottage in the early 1920s, and soon the villagers noticed her work and began to ask for similar designs for their own cottages.

Throughout her lifetime, Felicja created hundreds of unique and colourful paintings on the cottages throughout the village of Zalipie. Her work was so renowned that the Polish government eventually recognized her as the national “painter of the cottages” and even named her a national artist.

Felicja sadly passed away in 1974, leaving behind an impressive legacy and a lasting impact on the village of Zalipie. Her work has been celebrated around the world and has inspired countless other folk artists to continue the tradition of painting the cottages of Zalipie.

Did You Know? Every year, the Ethnographic museum of Tarnow organises an annual cottage painting competition with hopes of keeping the tradition alive. It takes place every June.

How Do You Get From Krakow to Zalipie, Poland?

How do you get from Krakow to Zalipie, Poland? The easiest way to get from Krakow to Zalipie is by car. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is cheaper to rent a car, as the price of a taxi can be expensive with this type of journey!

There is also the option of taking a guided tour from Krakow to Zalipie, which can be much more easier if you don’t want to rent a car – as they will take care of everything. Check some out below:

Zalipie, Poland Hotels

If you’re looking to stay in a hotel near Zalipie, Poland, then these Zalipie hotels are great choices:

  • Noclegi Pod Bocianem – This hotel is one of the closest to Zalipie, making it a great choice if you can drive. The rooms are spacious and include a TV and a private bathroom. It is also very cheap if you’re looking for close accommodation.
  • Zajazd Wiśniewski – If you’re after a reasonably priced hotel near Zalipie with a restaurant, then this hotel is ideal for you. There is free WiFi, free parking, and all rooms have air conditioning. Furthermore, there is even an event space if you’re looking to hold some events!
  • Hotel Cristal Park Dąbrowa Tarnowska – Located in the main town near Zalipie, this hotel is a good choice if you want to be close to more civilisation and more public transport. There is free WiFi, a restaurant, a pool, a fitness centre and it is just a 12-minute walk from art and history exhibits.

Things To Do in Zalipie, Poland

Zalipie, Poland

As Zalipie is a small village, there isn’t too much to do, so check out these things to do in Zalipie, Poland and around it:

  • Dom Malarek (Masters House)- This is one of the main attractions in Zalipie, and it’s a very beautiful one. Here you will be able to see lots of beautiful paintings, and it makes for beautiful photos. There are usually some locals selling handmade paintings nearby, which is great to support.
  • Zagroda Felicji Curyłowej w Zalipiu, Filia Muzeum Etnograficznego – This is the home of the famous artist Felicja Curyłowa, and it has now been turned into a museum showcasing her amazing artwork. It is a must-visit when in Zalipie and is definitely one of the prettiest cottages you will ever see. The tour is in Polish, but Google Translate can always do the trick!
  • Church of St. Józef the Bridegroom – It is most certainly worth a visit to this stunning church if you are visiting Zalipie. The outside of the church seems like most other ordinary churches, but inside – it is stunningly decorated with pretty floral paintings, making it really fit into the aesthetic of Zalipie.

Tip: Bring some food with you, as there are not many places close by to get something to eat – it’s a little village, after all.

When is The Best Time to Visit Zalipie, Poland?

When is the best time to visit Zalipie, Poland? Most of the museums in Zalipie are only open from April to October, so anytime from April would be the best time to visit Zalipie, Poland. Personally, I think the best time would be early spring when all the flowers are blooming – so it would look extra colourful!

Zalipe, Poland: Everything You NEED To Know – Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ve learnt about everything you need to know about visiting Zalipie, Poland! If you’re visiting Zalipie, Poland, then I hope you have a great time and love it as much as I do! If you take any photos, be sure to share them with me. Would you like to visit Zalipie, Poland? Are there any other places that you know of that are like Zalipe, Poland? Feel free to contact me, if you would like any extra information. If you’d like to read some similar posts, check these out:

Hey! My name is Aisling, and I'm a flight attendant, in love with exploring the world. I post all things travel and lifestyle - I can't wait to have you onboard! ✈️💗🌍

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