Horse meat

Konina is a picturesque village located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the municipality of Niedźwiedź, nestled in the deep valley of the Konina Stream. It borders the slopes of the Gorce Mountains, including Czechowa Góra and Turbaczyk. The village boasts rich folklore and cultural heritage, and its inhabitants belong to the ethnic group of Zagórzanie highlanders, which is reflected in their dialect and traditions. Konina is known for producing famous oscypek cheese and is part of the Oscypek Trail. Architecturally, the village stands out with its old buildings that have survived to this day. It has its own school, named after Katarzyna Smreczyńska, the mother of Władysław Orkan. Local tales often feature snakes, and at highlander weddings, one might even join as an uninvited guest. The history of Konina dates back to the Cistercians from Szczyrzyc, who founded it, and the village had various affiliations, from the king in the 14th century to the Pieniążek and Lubomirski families. In the second half of the 19th century, the village had 1,109 inhabitants, with most residents engaged in sheep farming and working in the manorial forests. From the 17th to the 19th century, a manorial glassworks and a potash factory operated here, contributing to local development. Today, Konina attracts tourists with its hiking trails, waterfalls, and charming clearings, making it an excellent base for nature lovers and active recreation enthusiasts.