Jarosław - undergrounds, fairs, and other town attractions
Jarosław is a small town in the Subcarpathian region of Poland, rich in history and full of attractions for visitors. While in Jarosław, you can learn about the famous markets known throughout Europe and explore the mysterious corridors of the oldest underground tourist route in Poland.
Jarosław - attractions, landmarks, sightseeing
The history of the town dates back to the 11th century and a stronghold founded by the Kievan prince Yaroslav the Wise. Jarosław's golden age is recorded in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the famous merchant gatherings, known as the "Jarosław fairs", were held here. Historians believe that at that time, the four-week-long August fairs in Jarosław were the largest event of its kind in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the second largest in Europe!
To best understand this incredible history of a town that today is a bit off the beaten path and is more associated with a quiet backwater than a capital of European trade, it's recommended to take a trip to Jarosław and visit the main landmarks and attractions of the town.
Underground routes in Jarosław
Exploring the undergrounds of Jarosław guarantees a real journey back in time. With a guide, you can learn all the most important facts and interesting stories from the town's history.
You can choose between two routes:
- Underground Tourist Route (the oldest underground tourist route in Poland! Raw corridors and goods stored in multi-story cellars)
- Underground Tourist Passage (a route full of diverse topics and modern, interactive exhibitions, and a chance to watch a film about the town's history).
In a way, both routes tell the same story about the Jarosław fairs and their influence on the shape and construction of the town, as well as the life of its inhabitants. Which one to choose? Ideally, both!
Underground Tourist Route in Jarosław
The Professor Feliks Zalewski Underground Tourist Route in Jarosław is one of the oldest underground tourist routes in Poland. A guided tour will reveal many interesting facts about the city's history. ...
Underground Tourist Passage - Jarosław
The Underground Tourist Passage in Jarosław is one of the city's biggest attractions. In rooms located in deep cellars under three tenement houses, a diverse exhibition has been arranged, where you can learn about the most important facts and interesting stories from the city's history. ...
Sheltered townhouses in Jarosław
While walking around the market square and its surroundings in Jarosław, pay attention to the inconspicuous townhouses. Narrow facades (the owners paid tax for windows facing the Market Square) hide internal illuminated halls, guest rooms, and above all, multi-story cellars.
If you are curious about what a typical Jarosław townhouse looks like inside, you can visit one on the Underground Tourist Route (guided tour).
Jarosław fairs - then and now
In the past, the Jarosław fairs lasted the entire month of August. Merchants from all over Europe came here to sell and buy goods from around the world. Thanks to the proximity of the San River (today its bed is moved away from the town center), cargoes were floated to Gdańsk and reached even further markets.
Today's fairs refer to the centuries-old tradition but last only a few days. It is worth visiting Jarosław during this time to see how the town's market square comes to life. Just like centuries ago, it is then filled with the hustle and bustle of merchants, reenactment groups, locals, and town guests.
Proziaki, biscuits, and other local delicacies
The town of Jarosław prides itself on famous, delicate biscuits baked in the SAN factory, Jarosław gingerbreads, and traditional Subcarpathian proziaki - cakes baked with the addition of baking soda.
What else to see in Jarosław?
In addition to going through both underground routes and visiting a sheltered townhouse, during a walk around the market square in Jarosław, be sure to stop by the pearl of Jarosław - the late Renaissance Orsetti House - a sign of the town's former glory, class, and wealth of its inhabitants.
... and have some fun by the fountain:
And if you feel like exploring more, visit a few other landmarks in the town, including:
- The Benedictine Abbey - a monastery surrounded by walls with 8 towers and a gate tower. This is where the famous "Black Chapel" is located
- The Greek Catholic Church of the Transfiguration - one of the most beautiful neoclassical brick churches in Poland with a beautiful iconostasis and the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Gate of Mercy"
- The Collegiate Church of Corpus Christi and the former Jesuit college - the oldest post-Jesuit church in Poland with the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary of the Snow
...what else? Take a walk, look around and discover Jarosław for yourself!
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