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Białystok
While in Podlaskie, take some time to stop in its capital city. Although almost 300 thousand in population, Białystok is a city to relax in tune with its peaceful rhythm of life. At the city’s main square, Rynek Kościuszki, be sure to taste specialities of local cuisine, which mirrors the region’s multicultural character. Visit the Branicki Palace to marvel at its Baroque architecture and French style gardens. Check out the stunning “Girl Watering a Tree” and dozens of other Białystok murals.
Did you know that Białystok is one of a few cities with a nature reserve within their limits? The Las Zwierzyniecki Nature Reserve is just a short 10-minute walk from the centre.
Post-Camaldolese Monastery in Wigry
A symbol of the Suwałki District and the Wigry National Park. A stroll along narrow alleys winding around the buildings of the monastic complex will send you back in time. Get carried away by tales of the Camaldolese monks, marvel at the stunning view from the clock tower, descend to the crypts, where the monks rest in eternal peace, or visit the papal apartments, which hosted Pope John Paul II.
In for a longer visit? Stay the night at one of the hermitages, where monks used to live in religious seclusion. If you are looking for a place to stay with an extraordinary ambiance, you can’t get any better that this!
Kruszyniany and Bohoniki
For generations, the area of Polish-Belarusian borderland has been home to the community of Polish Tatars. Visit the 300-year old mosque in Kruszyniany and listen to the tales of the region, in which the Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim have been living in harmony for ages. Enjoy oriental flavours of traditional Tatar cuisine in the nearby Tatarska Jurta tourist farm and restaurant.
Sources: polskazachwyca.pl; podlaskie.eu; podroze.onet.pl; mydatrip.com; wikipedia
