Żarki-Letnisko: Garden City and Wooden Villas
Accommodation in Żarki-Letnisko
Żarki-Letnisko is a garden city founded by Karol and Stefania Raczyński in the 1930s. Its historic character is reflected in the Witkiewicz-style wooden villas and the parish church built in 1936. The setting also includes pine forest, a swimming pool at the Czarka, and two named routes that pass through the town. Architecture, nature, and recreational activities thus give this destination several distinct facets.
File:Żarki-Letnisko Czarka przy basenie 2018-04-08 p2.jpg
Photo: Przykuta via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Garden City, Wooden Villas, and Local History
Karol and Stefania Raczyński founded Żarki-Letnisko as a garden city. The Witkiewicz-style wooden villas are part of the city’s development in the 1930s. This connects the story of its founding with its architecture: wooden construction and a named style are as much a part of the townscape as the story of its origins. For travelers interested in architectural history, the villas offer a tangible connection to this chapter of local history.
The parish church of Matki Bożej Nieustającej Pomocy was built in 1936 in a Tyrolean style that locals describe as Alpine. The wooden Villa Nałęcz has a different historical association: in the years before the Second World War, it served as an entertainment and cultural center. The church and villa thus represent different aspects of local history—the church as a building with its own style designation, and the villa through its former cultural function.
A memorial plaque to Stefania and Karol Raczyński, the founders of Żarki-Letnisko, stands in the park beside the pre-war garden pavilion. It commemorates the founding couple at a place of remembrance in the park.
Pine Forest, Observatory, and Swimming Pool
The surroundings of Żarki-Letnisko are characterized by pine forest. The Astronomical Observatory is located in the forest: a six-meter-high rotunda used to observe the sun. Its distinctive shape and specific function set it apart from the historic villas and church. The observatory is not open to visitors.
The swimming pool at the Czarka has separate swimming areas for adults and children. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, and showers, as well as a beach volleyball court. This combination may help with day planning if you want to combine your stay with swimming or beach volleyball. Seasonal availability may vary, so check before your visit whether the pool will be open during your travel dates.
Routes and Summer Concerts
Two named routes pass through Żarki Letnisko. The green circular route around the Poraj Reservoir (“Szlak Zielony – Okrężny wokół Zalewu Porajskiego”) is 43.4 kilometers long. The yellow Żarecki Trail (“Szlak Żółty – Żarecki”) covers 29 kilometers. Both pass through the town; based on their total lengths, the green circular route is 14.4 kilometers longer. Their names and distances provide clear guidance if you would like to include the routes in your travel plans.
In summer, the local association holds concerts in the park pavilion. Since the program is seasonal, dates may vary. Check the concert dates for your travel period if you would like to combine your visit with an event.
Discover more destinations: Myszków, Gniazdów, Gorzków Stary, Przybynow, Żarki, Niegowa, Koziegłowy, Lgota Górna
Go to the parent travel guide: Myszków.
