Odporyszów

Odporyszów, a village located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is primarily known for its parish church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is listed in the register of historical monuments. Built in the Baroque style at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, the church is not only an important religious site but also a place of worship where pilgrims seek spiritual support. Adjacent to the church is the Jan Wnęk Parish Museum, which exhibits sculptures by the local artist and aviation pioneer, Jan Wnęk, renowned for his pioneering flights on a machine he constructed himself. Historically, the village was the site of numerous fortified defensive ramparts that played a role in local battles, including during the Swedish Deluge. Odporyszów witnessed bloody clashes with Tatar and Cossack invaders, and regular pilgrimages to the church after the wars reinforced the local cult of Our Lady of Victory. Additionally, in the 19th century, Odporyszów stood out not only for its sculptures but also for its dynamic development in education, exemplified by the presence of the Jan Wnęk Primary School. The village also holds climatic significance, being one of the "warm poles" with a long growing season, which favors plant cultivation. Today, Odporyszów is becoming a hub for child-focused initiatives, with an educational and sports complex run by the Demos Foundation. Parts of the village, such as Grobla and Sołtystwo, along with its history-steeped community that fiercely defended its own borders, make Odporyszów a place with much to offer—a unique atmosphere full of mysteries and extraordinary stories.