Zakrzów: Wooden Houses and Culture at Zagroda Apolonia

Zakrzów’s cultural identity is closely linked to Zagroda Apolonia, a private open-air museum in the village. The complex includes six wooden houses that were relocated and restored, dating from 1821 to 1933. A family workshop run by Pracownia Bure Wióry focused on a double-leaf wooden window, while local residents gathered in the afternoons in May to sing at a chapel on the grounds. Zakrzów thus brings together historical architecture, woodworking and communal religious singing as distinct cultural themes.

Six Wooden Houses Spanning a Wide Period

The construction years 1821 and 1933 mark a span of 112 years. The complex therefore comprises six houses built in different years, rather than sharing a single uniform date. This range offers a useful way to understand Zagroda Apolonia: it places the buildings in context without reducing the complex to a single year of origin. The history of the houses also includes what has been done with them. They were relocated and restored, so their story encompasses their construction dates, relocation and restoration. Those interested in historic wooden architecture can consider these aspects together: the houses’ dates and their preservation through restoration. This focus is tangible when planning a trip: the main attraction is a specific group of wooden houses with different construction dates and a history of restoration.

Woodworking Connected to the Houses

A family workshop called “Okno na zagrodę” (“A Window onto the Farmstead”), run by Pracownia Bure Wióry, offers a hands-on connection to woodworking. Participants made a double-leaf wooden window, inspired by the windows in the houses at Zagroda Apolonia. The process involved measuring, sawing, sanding, nailing and decorating. This sequence moves from taking measurements through working the wood to finishing the window. The example thus connects a specific object with the wooden houses whose windows served as its model. Here, the focus is not only on the finished piece, but also on the craft process. For culture enthusiasts, this offers a different way to engage with the site than through the buildings’ dates: a series of practical activities brings woodworking to life.

Singing Together at the Chapel

Communal religious singing offers a different cultural perspective. In May, local residents—adults and children—gathered in the afternoons at a chapel on the grounds to sing religious songs. This differs from the window workshop: the focus here is not a crafted object, but singing together. The afternoon, the month of May and the chapel provide a specific setting for the gathering, which adults and children attended together.

Culture as a Factor in Planning Your Trip

The themes can help you make your travel plans: the houses offer a connection to architectural history, the workshop demonstrates a specific woodworking process, and the gathering at the chapel represents communal religious singing. If you are considering Zakrzów as a cultural destination, this comparison can help you decide whether your main interest is the historic buildings or communal practice.

Discover More Destinations

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For the main travel overview: Wieliczka.