Last week, I visited a tucked-away village that is perfect for a short weekend getaway in Małopolska. Zalipie is one of the most beautiful and colorful villages in Poland.
You will be astonished to find that folk floral paintings are everywhere in the village. Not only are the houses, but also the church, barns, walls, fences, furniture, and even clothing—you name it! These colorful floral patterns have become the identity of Zalipie.
In this article, I’ll tell you the story of the woman behind these beautiful floral patterns who inspired women to preserve this tradition for generations.
This colourful village is famous for the decoration of its houses, with cheerful paintings on the walls and stoves, and crepe-paper flowers, paper-cut designs and hay spiders. A small ancient village in South-Eastern Poland, is definitely one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Not because it has five-stars hotels or massive glass buildings, but on the contrary, due to its small wooden cottages, which are painted in the most vibrant colors.
This tradition has existed in the Powiśle Dąbrowskie region since the end of the 19th century. Flowers were also painted on external walls of peasant cottages and farm buildings, on fences, wells and even kennels. In Zalipie, there are now around 20 painted houses. The best known example of this original folk artwork is the homestead of Felicia Curyłowa (currently a branch of the District Museum of Tarnów), a Zalipie painter whose painting was already known in the period between the wars.
And the perfect time to visit Zalipie is spring, as during this season, since 1948, the village hosts an important contest: the Painted Cottage competition or “Malowana Chata”. It started after the World War II ended, in the local authorities attempt to cover up the damage done the war.
Going there is not only a perfect way to escape the busy life found in large cities or towns, but also a good, relaxing manner to simply enjoy life and art. During our tour, you will get to see a number of decorated houses, a museum, and a small shop with unique hand made souvenirs.
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