Church of the Ascension in Ulucz

The Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Ulucz, situated on Dębnik Hill overlooking the San River, boasts a rich history rooted in traditional legends and supported by modern dendrochronological research, which dates its construction to 1659. Once considered the oldest wooden church in Poland, it has undergone numerous renovations, each altering its original appearance. The church is an example of an oriented wooden temple built from fir wood using the log construction technique, resting on a stone foundation. It features a tripartite layout, consisting of the presbytery, a square nave, and an elongated babinets (women’s section). Above the nave, an octagonal dome adds elegance to the structure, while the roofs are covered with wood shingles. The presbytery and babinets are constructed with log walls and barrel vaults, which, combined with the octagonal dome, create a diverse and captivating interior landscape. The interior is adorned with Baroque polychrome works by Stefan Dżengałowicz and a 17th-century iconostasis, now housed in the Museum of Folk Architecture in Sanok. The church’s surroundings include a cemetery with stone tombstones and remnants of a defensive wall. In 1990, a plaque was placed in front of the church to honor Father Michał Werbycki, the composer of the Ukrainian national anthem, "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina." Previously serving the local community until 1925, the church now operates as a branch of the Museum of Folk Architecture, ensuring its continued vibrant presence in the region’s cultural landscape.