Górzanka brings together two distinct themes for a stay: the historic church complex with its carved iconostasis, and trails that lead through the village or from there to named destinations. The iconostasis dates from around 1756, and the oldest bell in the complex dates from 1744. There are also hiking trails towards Połonina Smereka, as well as routes to a church, a spring, and a waterfall. If you want to combine culture and hiking, you can start planning by deciding which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Iconostasis and bell

The iconostasis in the church in Górzanka is carved from wood and considered an exceptional rarity in the Carpathians. It dates from around 1756 and was dismantled in 1912. Between 2004 and 2009, art conservator Sławomir Jakubowski reconstructed, conserved, and rearranged it. The work was therefore carried out more than two centuries after the iconostasis was created. An iconostasis is a screen of images in a church interior, not a single icon; the term describes the carved work as an element of the church complex’s design.

The oldest bell in the church complex dates from 1744 and stands beside the church. Its date is slightly earlier than the approximate date of the iconostasis. The two objects provide different historical points of reference for the church complex.

Hiking trails and named destinations

The green PTTK hiking trail from Zagórz to Krysowa passes through Górzanka and continues to the vicinity of Połonina Smereka. A black hiking trail also passes through the village and leads to the Czartów Młyn waterfall beyond Wola Górzańska. To get your bearings, you can distinguish the trails by their named destinations: the green trail heads towards Połonina Smereka, while the black trail leads to the waterfall. First, choose the destination that best suits your planned outing.

In the nearby area, three destination trails lead from Górzanka to the church in Łopienka, the Święta Woda spring above Radziejowa, and the Czartów Młyn waterfall. The route to the waterfall is called the Zakapior Route. The distinction is practical: the first two descriptions refer to trails passing through Górzanka, while the other three lead from there to specific destinations. This lets you choose based on whether you want to follow a trail route or make your way to a church, a spring, or a waterfall.

Plan your stay

The iconostasis and bell offer a cultural and historical theme, while the hiking trails lead to different, clearly named destinations. First decide whether you want to focus on the church complex or on a hike. Before setting out, check current trail conditions and choose a route based on its stated destination.

Discover more destinations: Mchawa, Lesko, Roztoki Dolne, Łukawica, Buk, Polańczyk, Myczków, Terka

See the wider travel guide: Leski.