Gorlice can be explored through different historical perspectives: from an event in kerosene lighting to architectural history, remembrance of the world wars and the petroleum industry. A signposted 2.5-kilometre cycling route section adds an outdoor activity to these themes. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether cultural history, architecture, remembrance or a bike ride will be the focus of your visit.
A monument to the history of kerosene lighting
At the intersection of ul. Węgierska and ul. Kościuszki stands a chapel commemorating the year 1854. At that time, the world’s first kerosene street lamp was lit in Gorlice. The chapel has a barrel-shaped base and depicts the Man of Sorrows beneath a canopy. In this way, the memory of a technological innovation is combined with a specific religious depiction. Both aspects are important to understanding the site: the event points to the history of kerosene lighting, while the design also makes the monument itself tangible.
Comparing a town house and church architecture
The PTTK Regional Museum in Gorlice is housed in a town house built in 1780 and remodelled in the Neoclassical style in 1874. Its architectural history therefore includes both its construction and a later redesign. Another architectural landmark is the Basilica Minor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Bazylika Mniejsza pw. Narodzenia Najświętszej Marii Panny). The church was built between 1875 and 1890 in the Neo-Renaissance style, based on plans by Franciszek Pavoni and Maksymilian Nitsch. In comparison, Neoclassicism was part of a later remodelling phase for the town house, while the church was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. This allows you to compare different construction periods and architectural styles in Gorlice.
Remembrance and petroleum history
Military Cemetery No. 91 is located on the so-called Cemetery Hill in Gorlice and commemorates soldiers who fell between November 1914 and May 1915. This time frame clearly connects the memorial site to the First World War. The “MAGDALENA” open-air petroleum industry museum offers a different perspective on the local past. It was designed to recreate the history of the Gorlice oil field as faithfully as possible and preserve its memorabilia. While the cemetery commemorates those who fell during a specified period of war, “MAGDALENA” focuses on the history of an oil field and the preservation of its memorabilia.
The dates help place the historical themes in context: the town house was built in 1780 and remodelled in 1874; the church was built between 1875 and 1890; and the cemetery commemorates those who fell between 1914 and 1915. This allows you to distinguish between different periods in the history of architecture and remembrance. “MAGDALENA” adds the history of the Gorlice oil field to this perspective.
A cycling route section in the park
A signposted 2.5-kilometre section of a cycling route runs through the park in Gorlice. The stated length applies to this section and provides a specific reference when planning a bike ride. Check the current condition of the route before setting out. This clearly measured outdoor activity complements the cultural and historical themes of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bobowa, Krzywa, Hańczowa, Szymbark, Strzeszyn, Korczyna, Klimkówka, Gładyszów.
For the main travel overview: Gorlice.
