Rzeszow (Rzeszów), the capital of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, combines a small-town charm with its role as the economic and cultural center of south-eastern Poland. Life is good in the Rzeszow Aviation Valley.
It’s the largest industrial technological cluster in Poland that concentrates more than 130 companies connected to the aviation industry. It also acts as the research and training base for aviation industry specialists. The Valley produces, among other things, S-70i Black Hawk helicopters as well as engines for F-16 airplanes.
Rzeszow Airport is because of this conveniently close.
A modern Galician “Village”
Despite this, the province’s capital doesn’t resemble a large metropolis. Its historical center is reminiscent of a village in Galicia, something from a different era. The oldest monument is the 15th Century Parish Church of St. Stanislaus and Wojciech.
It has a Gothic chancel and three Renaissance headstones belonging to old Rzeszow families, the former owners of the town. In the afternoon, streaks of light filtered through the stained-glass windows on the opposite wall create bas-relief images of the dead with their colorful reflections.
The heart of the city lies in its cobbled town square, surrounded by 19th-century houses. It has a fountain in the center and a Neo-Gothic town hall at the western frontage. Although the square burned down thirteen times and suffered from invasion and plundering, it has always resurrected in the same spot. Over the ages, it got 3-4 meters deeper.
This is where one of Rzeszow’s most unique attractions is. It’s an underground route connecting cellars between old townhouses, allowing visitors to see Rzeszow from a completely different perspective.
Cellars and a marketplace
Back in the day, the main square was above all a marketplace. Already in the 14th Century, vendors started hollowing out the cellars. Some functioned to store goods, others as shops, studios, and as a shelter during times of conflict and catastrophes. The soft loess surfaces were easy to penetrate by even the most simple of tools, such as a shovel or hoe.
Wooden constructions reinforced completed cellars. In the 18th Century, Rzeszow had over 300 cellars on four different levels. Many of the cellars were used to store ash to clean crockery, wood tar (a substance used to treat skin conditions), honey, wax, propolis, bee putty, and a range of other products.
Over time, the vendors moved above ground and the foundation, pockmarked like a Swiss cheese, started to settle and lose its stability. To preempt the collapse of the construction, sand filled most of the cellars or they had cement poured into them. 25 cellars are still here today. They connect through corridors as part of the Underground Tourist Route, which spans 396 meters and has a depth of 10 meters.
Some cellars left
For safety reasons, walls and vaults obtained brick layers. Some places have kept their original Gothic brick dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. They contain grooves fashioned by brickmakers, which make them more resilient. Loess-surfaced flooring is along the lengths of the routes. Blackened walls in one of the cellars are most likely the work of the great fire that engulfed the square in 1842.
Gothic doors topped with pointed arches, stone windows, and a small fragment of cross-ribbed vaults are all that remains of a 15th or 16th Century building that used to stand on the square. It is astounding to think that today we can admire it several meters below its foundation.
The tourist trail has many elements connected to Rzeszow’s rich history along with crafts for which the town was famous. Knight’s armor, weapons, clay pots, carpenter tools besides ancient home appliance tools.
These include an iron fueled by coal, mangles, quern stones, butter-churns, and spinning wheels. Among the items found during restoration of the cellars is a century old piece of grey soap and a bottle of Hungarian Tokaj wine. There are also stocks and prangers, which once stood in Rzeszow’s main square.
The Fara Church, officially known as the Parish Church of St. Stanislaus and Wojciech, stands as a testament to centuries of faith, resilience, and cultural significance. Nestled in the heart of Rzeszów, this historic gem beckons visitors with its captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a seeker of history, or simply curious, the Fara Church invites you to explore its sacred halls and discover the whispers of centuries past.
History and Architecture
The story of the Fara Church begins in the early 15th century. As Rzeszów blossomed into a vibrant town, King Casimir III the Great granted it town rights in 1354. Amidst the bustling streets and cobblestone alleys, the church emerged as a spiritual anchor for the growing community.
The church’s oldest section, dating back to the 15th century, showcases classic Gothic features. Its sturdy stone walls, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults evoke an era of medieval craftsmanship. Over time, the Fara Church transformed. The Baroque period left its indelible mark, adding ornate details. Step inside, and you’ll encounter richly adorned altars, intricate frescoes, and delicate stucco work.
The church’s steeple pierces the sky, a beacon visible from afar. Its silhouette against the Polish sunsets is a sight to behold. Climb the winding stairs for panoramic views of Rzeszów and the surrounding countryside.
Cultural Tapestry
The Fara Church witnessed history unfold—wars, invasions, and political upheavals. Its walls absorbed prayers during times of strife, offering solace to generations. Beyond religious services, the church hosts concerts, recitals, and art exhibitions. The acoustics within its hallowed halls resonate with melodies, connecting past and present.
Weddings, baptisms, and funerals—life’s milestones unfold here. Families gather, sharing joys and sorrows, weaving their stories into the fabric of the church.