Proszowice: Medieval Town Plan and River Floodplains

In Proszowice, historic urban layout, sacred art and landscape can be explored as different themes of a stay. The historic urban complex is a well-preserved example of a medieval town plan. This makes the entire layout, rather than just a single building, a historical point of reference. The main altar in the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St John the Baptist offers a specific insight into sacred art: it dates from 1634 and was created by the Kraków sculptor Mikołaj Przybysławczyk. The medieval town plan and the 17th-century altar provide contrasting points in time—one through the layout of the place, the other through a precisely dated work.

Town History and Remembrance

The Jewish cemetery in Proszowice is also a historical point of reference. It was established either at the end of the 18th century or in the first half of the 19th century, so its date is a period rather than a single year. On 29 August 2023, a commemorative plaque was unveiled there during a memorial event. Thus, the cemetery’s earlier history meets a more recent commemorative event with a precise date. Together with the town plan and the main altar, this offers a nuanced way to engage with different historical layers, without reducing these places to the same historical theme.

River Floodplains, Park Design and Routes

Proszowice town park was established in the 1920s. It lies north of the town on the river floodplains and covers about four hectares between the Szreniawa River and its left-bank tributary. Its period of origin, approximate area and location make the park a distinct landscape point of reference alongside the medieval town structure. The former manor park in Bobin is different: it has a clearly discernible compositional layout and has preserved a tree collection of dendrological value. The two parks therefore stand out for different reasons—in Proszowice, its location between waterways; in Bobin, its design and trees.

Two routes of different lengths and with different spatial contexts are available for active pursuits. A 14-kilometre section of EuroVelo 11, also known as EV11 or VeloNatura, runs through the Gmina of Proszowice; it was completed in 2023. On 31 May, a Nordic walking route of about five kilometres was opened in Proszowice as part of a Nordic walking event. The 14 kilometres refer to the section through the gmina, while the approximately five kilometres refer to the route in Proszowice. If you are planning to use the Nordic walking route today, please check its current condition beforehand.

Local Festivals and Cultural Activities

Harvest festivals are held annually in Kościelec. The football tournament named after Leszek Kokosiński is also held there, with football teams from Powiat Proszowicki taking part. The harvest festivals and the tournament offer different highlights: one centres on an annual event, the other on a named competition featuring teams from the powiat. In 2023, the Centre for Culture and Recreation in Proszowice offered ongoing regular classes, organised cultural events and placed particular emphasis on artistic activities for children and young people. This cultural offering, set in a specific time period, complements the historical themes and festivals with activities giving special attention to young people.

Discover More Places

Also discover: Gruszów, Kuchary, Nowe Brzesko.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nowotarski, Nowy Sącz, Wieliczka, Limanowa, Bochnia.

Return to the regional travel overview: Lesser Poland.