Stary Sącz between the Monastery, Nature and City History
Accommodation in Stary Sącz
Stary Sącz can be explored on several levels: its historic urban fabric and the Poor Clares’ Monastery offer a glimpse into cultural history, while Bobrowisko and Leśne Molo provide different perspectives on nature. There is also a network of cycling routes to notable places, a longer hiking trail and events connected with local traditions. If you are looking for a hotel in Stary Sącz, you can make your choice based on your preferred focus: culture, nature or activity.
File:Stary Sącz, dom "Na Dołkach", XVIII 1.JPG
Photo: Fmbar22 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 pl
Monastery, Church and City History
Together with the Poor Clares’ Monastery, the historic urban fabric forms a monument of particular significance to Polish culture and heritage. The monastery includes the Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity and St Clare. Its nave is elongated and divided into five aisles; the short chancel consists of two bays. In 1280, Queen Kinga had Franciscan monasteries founded in Sącz. A steep slope above a former bed of the Poprad River was chosen for the convent.
Memories at the Regional Museum
Today’s Seweryn Udziela Regional Museum has its roots in the collections of shoemaker and collector Józef Paszkiewicz (1887–1953). These included keepsakes relating to the history of Stary Sącz, as well as materials about local craft guilds and the “Sokół” gymnastics society. The history of the collection adds themes of craftsmanship and community life to the story of the monastery and the city.
Two Different Perspectives on Nature
The Bobrowisko nature enclave lies in the Stary Sącz area, between the Dunajec and Poprad rivers. Wooden viewing boardwalks about 400 metres long wind through wetlands, small lakes and thickets. Leśne Molo offers a different experience: its boardwalk runs among the trees on Miejska Góra, and glass spheres invite you to discover what a tadpole becomes. The boardwalk offers a view of Stary Sącz in the foreground. The contrast is clear when planning your visit: Bobrowisko draws attention to wetlands and small lakes, while Leśne Molo focuses on the town in the foreground and the natural story of the tadpole.
Explore by Bike or on Foot
A network of cycling routes runs through Stary Sącz and leads to the historic market square, the Poor Clares’ Monastery and the papal altar. The network thus includes a range of destinations in the town. As routes may change, check the signs locally. For a longer hike, the yellow-marked trail runs from Stary Sącz railway station to the mountain shelter at Przehyba. The route is about 14.5 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of around 840 metres. Its length and elevation gain offer concrete reference points for planning your trip. Trail markings and conditions can also change, so it is worth checking locally.
Craftsmanship and Local Events
Since 2009, towards the end of August, the Stary Sącz Town Office has held the two-day Starosądecki Jarmark Rzemiosła. The fair draws on the long tradition of market fairs in the “Old Town” and showcases folk culture that has been preserved or revived. If you would like to include the fair in your travel plans, check the current events calendar for the exact dates.
During a celebration in honour of Stary Sącz’s patron saint, the market square becomes a knight’s camp for a day in July, with period music, handicraft stalls and food. If you would like to plan around this event, check the current dates in the events calendar.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Zubrzyk, Rąbkowa, Świdnik, Florynka, Rożnów, Barcice, Nowa Wieś, Uhryń.
Return to the main travel guide: Nowy Sącz.
