Church of St. Demetrius the Martyr in Łukawiec

The Church of St. Demetrius the Martyr in Łukawiec is a valuable monument of Greek Catholic wooden architecture, erected in 1701 through the funding of the local community. It belongs to the group of traditional Eastern Rite churches, drawing inspiration from the oldest wooden structures of the 16th and 17th centuries, such as the churches in Radruż and Gorajec. Its history dates back to the early 18th century, when it underwent a thorough renovation in 1753. In 1853, a wooden bell tower was built next to it, and in 1923 the church underwent a major reconstruction that enlarged the narthex and added a vestibule and a sacristy. In the 1940s, the interior was decorated with polychrome paintings, but after 1947 the building was abandoned. In the 1960s, it served as a fertilizer storage, and a tragic fire in 1987 destroyed its western part. The church was rebuilt between 1990 and 1993. Architecturally, the church is built of wood using the log construction technique and features a tripartite layout consisting of the sanctuary, the nave, and the narthex, with the sanctuary closed off on the eastern side in a three-sided apse. The entire structure is covered with gable roofs, and above the nave rises a square log dome. The interior is impressively vaulted, and most of its furnishings have been lost, except for some icons that were transferred to local museums. The temple is surrounded by a wooden fence, and on its grounds grow pedunculate oaks, including a natural monument. The church in Łukawiec is not only a testimony to the history of Eastern Christian culture but also a significant element of the regional architectural heritage.