Iwkowa

Iwkowa is a picturesque village in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, located in the southern part of the Brzesko County on the Wiśnickie Foothills. It is surrounded by scenic hills, and nearby lies Tropsztyn Castle. The history of Iwkowa dates back to the 14th century when Queen Jadwiga Łokietkowa granted it town privileges. The village was formed by the merger of two settlements and for centuries was part of a trade route connecting Poland and Hungary. In the 18th century, the Hermitage of St. Urban was built here, and the cemetery church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, preserved in the Gothic style, dates back to the late 15th century. Iwkowa is a place with a rich cultural heritage, where visitors can admire the Fr. Jan Piechota Parish Museum, which houses unique collections of folk art and documents of village life. Other notable historical landmarks include an 18th-century chapel and numerous roadside shrines. Iwkowa annually hosts the Festival of Dried Plums, promoting local delicacies, and in 2019, a steel observation tower was opened on Szpilówka Hill to attract tourists. The area also features the Millennium Cross and a Stations of the Cross path. The charm of Iwkowa is enriched by local legends and history, including the activities of notable figures such as Brigadier General Marian Turkowski. The village is not only a historical site but also a vibrant tourist destination offering attractions for visitors.