The Sanctuary of Saint John of Dukla brings together several construction phases. The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene offers a different cultural accent with its late Baroque architecture and a marble artwork. There are also traces of Jewish history, a seasonal avenue of black locust trees and opportunities for physical activity. This gives you a concrete choice when planning your trip: churches and art, historic sites of remembrance, the blossoming season or sporting activities.

Churches and art from different periods

The first church at the Sanctuary of Saint John of Dukla was made of wood. It was built in 1741 and founded by Józef Mniszech, the owner of Dukla at the time. From 1761 to 1764, the sanctuary’s masonry church and monastery were built. Exactly twenty years lie between the construction of the wooden church and the start of the masonry buildings. This makes it possible to trace the sanctuary’s development through two clearly dated construction phases.

The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Dukla is late Baroque, with three naves and a single-bay chancel with a semicircular apse. While the sanctuary’s successive construction phases are its main historical focus, the layout of the space takes center stage here. A work in the church, made of pink and black marble in 1773, depicts Maria Amalia with remarkable realism. The architecture and artwork thus offer different points of interest: here, the structure of a sacred building; there, the material, date of creation and subject of the work.

Jewish history in Dukla

The ruins of the synagogue built in 1758 are on Cegrowska Street. It was destroyed by the Nazis during the war. The Jewish cemetery is on the southern edge of town, to the right of the road toward Barwinek. Its old section was established in the early 18th century; adjoining it is the new section, which has been in use since around 1870. The synagogue ruins and cemetery thus represent different historical facts: the wartime destruction of a building and a site with two sections from different periods.

Seasonal sights and opportunities for activity

At the entrance to Dukla from Krosno, there is an avenue of black locust trees. It is particularly attractive and fragrant during the blooming season, from late May through the first half of June. The exact timing of the bloom can vary from year to year. So if the blossoms are important to your trip, use this period as a guide and allow for possible shifts in timing.

There is a mountain bike rental service at the MOSiR Dukla sports facilities. Ten mountain bikes are listed, including two e-bikes; check current availability before your trip. There is also a climbing wall in the MOSiR Dukla sports hall. Check in advance whether access will be possible during your visit. The rental service and climbing wall are two different ways to stay active, which you can consider separately when planning your trip.

One stop on the ecological and historical educational trail leads to the Bernardine Monastery Church of Saint John of Dukla and the sculpture composition “Krzyż Pojednania.” This stop thus combines a sacred building with a sculpture as part of the trail.

Discover more destinations: Moderówka, Krasna, Rymanów, Chyrowa, Wisłoczek, Krosno, Tylawa, Iwonicz-Zdrój

For the regional travel overview: Krośnieński.