Pagan Oak

The Pagan Oak is an extraordinary tree growing in Węglówka, in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. It is a monumental pedunculate oak, considered the second thickest in the region, after the Christian Oak. Its age is estimated to be around 640 years, making it one of the oldest oaks in Poland. The Pagan Oak is characterized by a massive, regular cylindrical trunk with a circumference of 892 cm, while the circumference at ground level reaches 1120 cm. The height of the oak ranges between 25.5 and 28 meters. Despite its impressive size, the tree's health leaves much to be desired—the trunk bears numerous traces of broken branches, and the interior is completely hollowed out, suggesting that the oak is slowly dying. The Pagan Oak is located on a small embankment next to the historic Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1898, which now serves as a Catholic church. This interesting combination of nature and architecture adds charm to the place. It is also worth noting the grave of Admiral Nelson Keith, who conducted oil exploration work in this area, highlighting Węglówka's significance in the context of Poland's industrial history. Thus, the Pagan Oak is not only a natural treasure but also an important cultural and historical element, attracting nature lovers and tourists interested in the region's heritage.