Borek is located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, in Kalisz County and the municipality of Godziesze Wielkie. When planning a trip, visitors can focus on nature, regional food culture, or architectural and cultural history.
Nature and Activities
At the municipal level, Godziesze Wielkie is associated with hiking, cycling and birdwatching. Ponds, rivers and green spaces offer opportunities to enjoy nature; fields, meadows and pine forests are considered attractive areas for recreation. The Prosna Valley Protected Landscape Area is known for its many hiking and cycling trails. The activities differ: hiking and cycling put physical activity at the centre, while birdwatching offers a different focus on nature.
Wooden Architecture and Sacred Art
The Church of St Bartholomew the Apostle in Godziesze Wielkie was built between 1781 and 1783. It is built mainly of larch wood and clad with pine boards; this choice of materials reflects local building traditions. Six years after its construction, the church received two side chapels, giving its floor plan the shape of a cross. The construction and extension reveal two aspects of the architecture: the wood used connects the church with local traditions, while the side chapels mark a later change to the floor plan. Inside, the church contains historic altars, including an image of Our Lady of Consolation from the 17th century. It also preserves a 15th-century chalice and a late Gothic Passion scene on the rood beam. The chalice is older than the image; both furnishings predate the church’s construction in the late 18th century. A bell tower stands beside the church, adding to its picturesque appearance.
Historic Houses and Archaeological Heritage
Two wooden houses at 9 Borkowska Street in Godziesze Wielkie, built in 1900 and 1866, are listed in the voivodeship inventory. The two dates come from different centuries: 1866 falls in the 19th century and 1900 in the 20th. Together with the church, whose construction dates to 1781–1783, the entries offer a chronological comparison between sacred architecture and historic homes. When comparing wooden architecture, the church is notable above all for its materials and later extension, while the houses are distinguished by their two construction dates. Borek’s archaeological heritage includes Site 1, which is associated with the Trzciniec culture. This adds an archaeological dimension to the area’s architectural and artistic history.
Regional Food Culture
Municipal publications from 2025 highlight tomatoes and cucumbers from small and medium-sized farms as being known both within and beyond the region, and associate traditional breads and cakes with local food culture. This places agricultural produce and baking traditions side by side as two distinct culinary points of reference. Tomatoes and cucumbers represent agricultural produce, while breads and cakes represent baking traditions—specific themes for travellers interested in regional foods as well as nature and architecture.
Discover more destinations: Żelazków, Nowa Plewnia, Staw, Dębniałki, Wolica, Tłokinia Kościelna, Blizanów, Kalisz
Return to the main travel overview: Kalisz.
