Supraśl - the pearl of Podlasie region

View of Monastery and Gardener's House ("Old Post"), side from town

The Charming town of Supraśl laid down by the Supraśl river, surrounded by forest complexes of Puszcza Knyszyńska is located 15 km from Białystok - the main city of Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland. It is a multicultural place: its inhabitants are of Polish, Belarusian, Russian, Tartar, Jewish and German origin, who profess a variety of different faiths including Catholic, Orthodox, Judaic and Protestant. The origins of the village are related to the founding of the monastery in 15th century. (See: Supraśl Lavra - important site of Orthodox culture in Poland).

Supraśl Lavra

Supraśl was located on the border of the Kingdom of Poland.  Initially, it was a border with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and then with the Russian Empire. Supraśl has witnessed many events which have played an important part in Poland’s history. For five centuries different cultures, nations, religious were mixing there.

House of Gardener - "Old Post"

In the 19th century Supraśl became an important centre for the textile industry. The first industrialist who came to Supraśl was Wilhelm Fryderyk Zachert, who transformed small settlement to modern, urban town with 3000 citizens. The souvenirs from that fast-growth times are many monuments in Supraśl. In the centre of town is located Eclectic Bucholtz Palace built in the years 1892-1903. Today it houses the Art School.

Bucholtz Palace

It has many tranquil places with wooden houses, Catholic and Orthodox churches and chapels. There are The House of Gardener, Elementary School, The 3rd May Street with Houses of Weavers, Catholic Church of Holy Trinity from 1861, Evangelical Church rebuilt in 1885 (now Catholic Church). There are too interesting cemeteries, Catholic chapel from the 19th century, Evangelic Church with the classical tomb of Zechert family.

House of Weaver, 3rd May Street

Houses of Weavers, 3rd May Street

Supraśl is an unusually attractive town in the Podlasie region and all Poland. The town became the centre of recreation for citizens of Białystok and tourists from all over of Poland whose used microclimate of pine forest. Tourists took the opportunities to relax in pine woods, parks, restaurants and sports objects.

City Hall (former Universal School)

Church of Holly Trinity

The beautiful monastery (Supraśl Lavra) is the houses the Museum of Icons – the most modern museum of its kind in Poland. The museum boasts one of the most interesting and largest collections of icons in Poland.

Supraśl Lavra - Orthodox monastery

There is The Museum of Print and Papermaking in the monastery complex. The location chosen for the seat of the museum is not accidental: it was in the Supraśl monastery that the printing house was established in 1693; whereas, in 1710, a paper mill was built on the River Supraśl, 4 km away from the town. Visitors can print copies of documents on a replica of Guttenberg’s printing press, as well as discovering the secrets of paper production.

The 3rd May Street

Supraśl is also an educational and cultural centre. It is home to the Wierszalin Theatre. The innovative performances of the troupe abound with magical characters and songs. This theatre has performed with great success on the best stages in Europe and worldwide (e.g. received the prestigious Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival). There is also Art Garden located by the Supraśl river. There are exhibited contemporary sculptures in the open air.

Garden of Arts; "Pegasus" - sculpture by Lilia Wyszkowska 

Supraś is one of the most recently-established Polish health resorts. A peculiar microclimate of the pine forest, whose air is redolent with therapeutic oils and therapeutic properties of the peloids contributed to the town's was granted the status of a lowland, climatic health resort in 2002. The fresh air, breathtaking views and historical monuments provide excellent conditions for rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also associated with the beautiful and picturesque Supraśl river valley – perfect for kayaking trips, during which one can admire the rich flora and fauna of the Knyszyn Forest.

River Supraśl

Wetlands in the river Supraśl valley

Knyszyn Forest (Puszcza Knyszyńska)

See other beautiful places in the Podlasie region: 

• Palace in Choroszcz- Summer residence of hetman Branicki
• Supraśl - the pearl of Podlasie region
• Supraśl Lavra - important site of Orthodox culture in Poland 
• Kruszyniany - Tatar village where Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox live together 
• Pentowo - European Stork Village
• "The Great Synagogue" in Tykocin, Poland

You might also like other articles about beautiful Polish towns and cities (click)

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