The open-air museum in Markowa

The Open-Air Museum "Zagroda" in Markowa, run by the Society of Friends of Markowa, is a place that preserves the cultural heritage of this region and traditional rural architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Established in 1985, the museum consists of various structures, such as cottages, stables, a windmill, and a granary, which illustrate the differences in the lives of wealthier and poorer village inhabitants. The wealthy peasant's cottage from 1874, characteristic of the region, with its whitewashed log structure on a stone foundation and a thatched roof, reflects old construction techniques. In contrast, the poor peasant's cottage, built from fir wood and with a more modest structure, showcases the poverty of the local population at the time. The museum also features a post windmill, one of only two surviving structures of this type in Markowa, and a restored blacksmith's forge that once served the local community. The firefighting museum, on the other hand, displays equipment from the interwar period, offering a glimpse into the history of the local fire brigade. The buildings are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, and their structures represent various construction techniques used in Galicia. The museum aspires to become the first museum of post-and-beam construction in Europe, which sets it apart in the regional context. Interestingly, the Society also aims to document and protect manifestations of spiritual culture, creating diverse thematic exhibitions and preserving local folklore. In the broader perspective, the Open-Air Museum "Zagroda" in Markowa is an important site for education and the nurturing of traditions, attracting people who wish to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Podkarpacie region.