Olszanica: Palace Complex, Park and Trails

A Palace Complex with Several Historical Layers

Olszanica preserves a well-maintained palace complex with origins in the 17th century. The complex includes an imposing eclectic palace, an outbuilding, a bridge and a park with remnants of fortifications. It is one of only a few of its kind in Lesko County. Those interested in architecture will find not just a palace as a standalone building, but a complex made up of several features.

The palace was built towards the end of the 19th century on an island surrounded by a moat. It acquired its present appearance through renovations carried out in 1905 by the Juściński family, the last owners of Olszanica. Thus, the origins of the palace complex in the 17th century differ from the palace’s later construction history.

Park Landscape and Visible Traces

The landscape park in Olszanica was established in the 19th century on the site of an older fortification. Traces of ramparts, embankments and moats are visible there. The park therefore tells of two historical periods: its design in the 19th century and the older fortification, whose features have been preserved in the landscape. This historical context gives the landscape a character distinct from the palace itself and offers another way to explore Olszanica’s past.

One individual tree is also precisely located: the largest English oak, with a circumference of 610 cm, grows on the ramparts around the upper ponds. Along with the palace, bridge and traces of fortifications, the upper ponds and their surroundings are therefore specific points of reference in the description of the area.

From the Village’s History to the Municipal Routes

The village’s recorded history extends beyond the palace complex. In the 15th century, Olszanica belonged to the Kmita family. The first archival references to a manor house in Olszanica date from 1580. These details mark different historical records: the village’s ownership in the 15th century and a later reference to a manor house. They can be distinguished from the palace’s construction history, as it was not built until the end of the 19th century.

The “Gmina Olszanica” Nordic Walking Park has three routes within the municipality. The green 4.9 km circular route is the shortest; the red route is 9 km out and back, while the black route is a 9.3 km loop. You can compare the options by distance and route type: the two longer routes differ in that one is a loop and the other is an out-and-back route.

The starting points are in other localities within the municipality: Routes 1 and 3 begin in Zwierzyń near a bend in the San River, while the starting point for Route 2 is in Orelec. The routes thus complement the village’s historical attractions with opportunities for outdoor activity across the municipality. When planning your trip, it is particularly useful to distinguish between Olszanica’s palace and park history and the starting points in Zwierzyń and Orelec.

Discover more destinations: Górzanka, Werlas, Myczków, Roztoki Dolne, Zahoczewie, Przysłup, Baligród, Bóbrka

See the main travel overview: Leski.