Lipnica Murowana

Lipnica Murowana is a town in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in Bochnia County, situated in a picturesque basin surrounded by forested hills. It was founded in 1326 by King Władysław I Łokietek and granted town rights, which it retained until 1934. The town is known for its 14th-century Gothic parish church of St. Andrew the Apostle and the 17th-century Baroque church of St. Simon of Lipnica. In the town center, there is an old town complex with characteristic wooden arcaded houses and remnants of defensive walls. It is also worth noting the Starost's House and the former trivial school, which now serves as the Regional Chamber. Lipnica Murowana is famous for its tradition related to the Lipnica Easter Palm Competition, held since 1958, where the palms reach impressive heights. The tallest palm measured 37.78 meters. The town is also home to the Ursuline Sisters, who run a Pilgrim's House. Historically, Lipnica Murowana was an important administrative center, but numerous fires and changes in administrative affiliation affected its development. During World War I and II, there was military activity, and War Cemetery No. 299 is a memorial to the battles of World War I. Only a few brick buildings remind us of the times of its heroic past. Today, the town is frequently visited by tourists, and the nature and landscape of the Wiśnicko-Lipnicki Landscape Park attract nature lovers. Lipnica Murowana is also the birthplace and place of activity of many prominent figures, such as St. Simon of Lipnica, Kazimierz Brodziński, and Urszula Ledóchowska, highlighting its importance in Polish culture and history. The UNESCO-listed monument, the Church of St. Leonard, and a mobile tourist guide enhance the tourist offer, while the available hiking trails in the area complete the opportunities for spending time outdoors.