When you think about Poland, your mind probably goes straight to Warsaw, Kraków or Gdańsk. These are the big names everyone expects to visit. But there are small cities in Poland that is totally overlooked. Przemyśl is a hidden gem and is one of those tiny cities. It is situated in southeastern Poland and is one of the oldest cities back from 10th century. Despite its size, it is packed with history, culture and surprises, making it perfect for a day trip.
Arriving in Przemyśl, you are amazed by how much fits into such a small space. The old town is filled with churches, cathedrals, museums and architectural styles from different centuries. At first it feels overwhelming, but you can actually explore the highlights in one day. With a car, you can even go beyond the city to see the remains of one of the largest fortifications in Europe.
Underground of Przemyśl
The best way to start discovering Przemyśl is to go underground. Beneath the Market Square, or Rynek, lies a network of tunnels and cellars dating back to the Middle Ages. Merchants once used them to store wine, salt and fabrics. During wars, the locals hid there.
Today this area is a modern museum. It is well lit, safe and informative. You can learn about medieval life, see coins and artifacts, and follow how the city developed. Information is available in Polish and English, and you can download an audio guide to your phone. It feels like stepping back in time. And the most exciting part is that you enter the Underground through one entrance and exit from the opposite side of the Market Square. If you are a history lover, you will definitely catch the vibe why Przemyśl is a hidden gem.
Casimir Castle (Kazimierzowski Castle)
The Przemyśl castle, known as the Kazimierzowski Castle, was built in the 14th century by King Kazimierz the Great. The exhibitions are very limited, but the park around making it a great spot for walking around.
The castle sits on a hill with panoramic views of the San River and the old town. Thus be ready for a steep walk to the top. The climb is worth it, especially on a clear day when you can enjoy one of the best views of the region. If you are there around evening time, you can admire stunning sunset.
Museum of Bells and Pipes
One of the most unique attractions is the museum of bells and pipes, located in the Clock Tower. It combines two unusual collections in one place. Don't ask me how these two completely different objects are managed to be under one roof. Nevertheless, the uniqueness of the exhibition is that you keep climbing the Clock Tower and on the way up, you see collections of church bells and tobacco pipes. The top of the tower rewards you with a fantastic view of the city.
If you are wondering what tobacco pipes are doing in this city. Let me tell you that Przemyśl was once an important center for pipe production. The museum collection covers centuries of pipe making. Clay, meerschaum, wood and porcelain pipes are displayed, many decorated with portraits, hunting scenes or military motifs. Some are so called reservist pipes, given to soldiers when they finished service. Others are finely decorated cigarette holders, and there is also a water pipe collection known as nargiles.
The Fortress of Przemyśl & Molotov line
At the edge of the city begins the remains of the Przemyśl Fortress, one of the largest fortress complexes in Europe. Built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 19th century, it included nearly 200 forts that stretched over 45 km! During World War I, it became the site of one of the longest sieges in history, lasting 133 days.
Unfortunately many forts today are ruins, hidden in forests and fields around Przemyśl. If you have a car, you can visit some of the best preserved, such as Fort Salis-Soglio. The brick entrance gate, gorge barracks with casemates, ammunition storages and elevator shafts, artillery posts and crew shelters on the fort's embankment are among the best preserved facilities of this fort. The fort is located a mere few dozen metres from the Polish-Ukrainian border. On the other side of the border can be found six auxiliary forts of this fort.
Growing up in the post-Soviet Union meant that the history of the Second World War was something we all knew by heart. Being in Przemyśl suddenly made that history feel alive for me. Here, the Soviets began building the so-called Molotov Line in 1940, a chain of bunkers and fortifications along what was then the new border with Nazi-occupied Poland. It was never fully finished, but many of those concrete shelters and bunkers still remain hidden in the hills and forests around the city.
The Bears of Przemyśl
If you associate Eastern Europe with bears but afraid to encounter a real one, Przemyśl is the perfect place for you! The bear is the symbol of Przemyśl and appears on the city coat of arms. To celebrate this tradition, the Przemyśl Bears project placed 12 bronze bear statues across the old town. Each bear has its own character, from a honey bear to a soldier bear. Finding them is fun and gives you another way to explore the city. If you are adventurous, like I am, try spotting all 12. Hunting for all the statues is another reminder that Przemyśl is a hidden gem full of surprises.
