Wetlina

Wetlina is a picturesque village located in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, in Lesko County, near the border of the Ciśniańsko-Wetliński Landscape Park and the Bieszczady National Park. Its history dates back to the times of Wallachian law, and its name comes from the willow tree known as "wetlyna." The village was owned by the Kmit family and later by the Herburt family. In the 19th century, its owner was Count Ksawery Krasicki. In the mid-20th century, Wetlina was destroyed during military conflicts, and its inhabitants were displaced. After the war, the village was resettled by forestry workers and Bernardine monks. Architecturally, Wetlina boasts a wooden church dedicated to the Divine Mercy from the 1970s, as well as a brick church dedicated to St. John Paul II, built between 2012 and 2017. In its heyday, there was also a large Greek Catholic church here. Today, Wetlina is an important tourist center in the Bieszczady Mountains, with numerous ski trails and holiday homes. Key hiking trails lead to Połonina Wetlińska and nearby peaks such as Jawornik and Paportna. Various festivals are held here annually, including "Jazz w Starym Siole" and "Rozsypaniec." In addition to its natural attractions, Wetlina has rich cultural traditions, including the Wetlina Development Association, which documents the region's history by publishing the magazine "Bieszczady Odnalezione." An interesting fact is that the village has experienced diverse demographic changes, once dominated by Greek Catholics, and alongside historical monuments, there is also a monument dedicated to the soldiers of the Border Protection Troops (WOP). Wetlina is an example of a rich history, unique architecture, and a dynamically developing tourist region.