This historic garrison town in southeastern Poland has 19th-century architecture, cobbled streets, and military fortifications near the Ukrainian border.
Przemyśl, Poland's second-oldest city, sits along the San River near the Ukrainian border. You can climb the 14th-century castle hill for views across the city, explore 44 military forts from the 1800s, or examine the collection of 1,000 historic icons at the National Museum. The city's narrow medieval streets lead to unusual museums dedicated to bells and pipes, while its two cathedrals - one Roman Catholic and one Greek Catholic - reflect the region's cultural complexity.
Exploring the Old Town
The Market Square forms the heart of Przemyśl's Old Town, where merchants have traded since medieval times. The 19th-century Clock Tower rises above rows of pastel-colored townhouses. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you'll pass the Franciscan Church with its golden baroque altar from 1760, and the Lubomirski Palace, built in 1885 with a mix of Renaissance and Classical elements.
The Fortress of Przemyśl
The fortress system extends 28 miles around the city, making it Europe's third-largest military complex. Built in the 19th century, its 44 forts once housed 120,000 soldiers. You can walk through underground tunnels at Fort XV Borek, see original artillery positions at Fort VIII Łętownia, and learn about World War I sieges at the Museum of the Przemyśl Fortress.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The National Museum holds Poland's second-largest collection of icons after Sanok, with pieces dating from the 15th to 20th centuries. At the Museum of Bells and Pipes, you can see how local craftsmen created bronze bells and wooden pipes - two industries that shaped the city's economy. The Diocesan Museum contains medieval manuscripts, Gothic sculptures, and religious paintings from local churches.
Getting Around and Transportation
Przemyśl Główny, the main railway station built in 1895, operates 40 daily trains connecting to major Polish cities and international destinations in Germany, Austria, and Ukraine. For air travel, Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport lies 90 kilometers west, accessible by bus or car in about 1.5 hours.
Religious Heritage and Architecture
The Roman Catholic Great Cathedral and the Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist stand as examples of different architectural styles - the first Gothic and Renaissance, the second Baroque. You can visit the Reformed Franciscan monastery, established in 1627, to see its library of rare books, and the Carmelite Church to admire its 17th-century frescoes.
