Zawoja

Zawoja, the longest village in Poland, is picturesquely situated at the foot of Babia Góra in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. The name of the locality derives from the Vlach word "zavoi," meaning a river bend. Zawoja is known for its rich history and numerous monuments, including the parish church of St. Clement, built in 1888, which features unique architecture and polychromes by Krakow artists. The village also boasts the chapel of St. John the Baptist, an old inn, and numerous wooden structures. The region is a tourist center, attracting lovers of mountain hiking and winter sports; Zawoja operates ski stations, as well as the Mosorny Groń Tourist and Ski Center. The locality offers numerous hiking trails and educational paths in the Babia Góra National Park, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Zawoja also has a rich history, with records dating back to the 16th century when it was exempt from serfdom. The area belonged to various owners and underwent many administrative changes, gaining the status of a separate locality in 1836. An interesting event in Zawoja's history was the tragic An-24 plane crash in 1969, commemorated with a monument. The region's economy is based mainly on tourism and carpentry, which helps preserve local traditions and crafts. Zawoja combines rich cultural heritage with natural beauty, serving as a starting point for excursions to Babia Góra and the Polic and Jałowiec ranges.