If you’re looking for a place in Podkarpacie where nature intertwines with fascinating history, and every step brings the discovery of new colours, scents, indeed, new sensations – you absolutely must visit the **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce**. It’s a real green paradise, picturesquely situated **near Przemyśl**, just eight kilometres north-east of the city centre. **Bolestraszyce** is now famous throughout Poland precisely because of this impressive, beautifully maintained arboretum, which is simultaneously a valuable **natural heritage site** and a cultural one. It’s a place where you’ll find not only thousands of plant **species** but also traces of a past reaching back to the Middle Ages. We’ve prepared a guide **to Bolestraszyce** for you, which will show you why it’s worth visiting and what exactly awaits you in this extraordinary **garden**. Before starting your visit, it’s worth getting to know the history of this place, its architecture, and also familiarising yourself with practical **information**, because, after all, nobody wants to get lost. Ticket **prices**, **opening hours**, or the possibility of buying **dogwood seedlings** or other **plants** at the arboretum’s **shop** are just some of the useful tips we’ve gathered for you. You can get a **map** of the Arboretum at the entrance, which makes getting around **the arboretum grounds** easier.

History and Architecture – how a medieval stronghold became a modern arboretum?

The history of the **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce** is closely linked to the history of the place itself, which, like a chameleon, evolved from a medieval stronghold into a magnificent **manor and garden complex**, and finally became a unique **botanical garden**. The roots of this place reach back to ancient times, making it not only a green but also a historical treasure of Podkarpacie, something just right for history lovers.

Medieval Bolestraszyce and family manor houses – the first traces

The locality of **Bolestraszyce** can boast a history reaching back to the medieval period. Around the 15th century, these lands became the knightly property of the Świętopełk family, who eventually adopted the surname Bolestraszycki. Presumably, it was Stefan Świętopełk who built a wooden fort on the hill in the mid-15th century, initiating the stronghold character of this place. (It’s interesting to imagine what that stronghold would have looked like in those times!).

The Manor House in Bolestraszyce – its history and architecture through the centuries

The later history of **Bolestraszyce** is linked to subsequent distinguished families, which is typical for such places in the borderlands. In 1652, they came into the possession of the Drohojowski family, who owned the estate until the 19th century. And it was the Drohojowskis who built a single-storey brick outbuilding in the 18th century, which formed part of the manor complex. The 19th century brought several changes of ownership, among whom were the Morski, Ostrowski, Michałowski, and Łempicki families. From 1910, **Bolestraszyce** came under the control of the Zajączkowski family, who lived here until 1944. The last owner before 1944, Mieczysław Zajączkowski, made certain architectural changes after 1910, including relocating the front of the building and adding a portico.

The Chapel – a trace of the past and an architectural monument

Within the **grounds of the historical manor and garden complex**, there is also a chapel, the oldest mentions of which date back to 1744. It is a **structure** with an extraordinary history, as it preserves fragments of Renaissance painting from the turn of the 16th/17th century, which is a true rarity! What’s more, the chapel has rifle embrasures dating from the mid-19th century. During the Crimean War, it was adapted into a defensive **structure** and is today considered one of the oldest preserved defensive **structures** forming part of the **Przemyśl Fortress**.

Fort XIII b „Bolestraszyce” – part of a powerful fortress

The **Przemyśl Fortress** is a powerful complex of fortifications, and the **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce** includes one of its elements within its boundaries. Since 1996, Fort XIII b ‘Bolestraszyce’ has belonged to the Arboretum, which is a good thing as it helps preserve it. It is one of the auxiliary forts of the **Przemyśl Fortress**, located near Fort XIII ‘San Rideau’. While visiting the Arboretum, we can thus discover not only the beauty of **nature** but also learn about the region’s military heritage, for instance, by walking through the fort’s underground passages. (Just make sure you have a torch!).

Piotr Michałowski – artist and estate manager, an unusual combination

The history of **Bolestraszyce** is inextricably linked with the figure of the outstanding Polish painter of the **Romantic** era, **Piotr Michałowski**. His presence and activity in this place significantly influenced its development, but, equally importantly, his artistic output.

The Life and Work of Piotr Michałowski in Bolestraszyce

The period of the estate’s prosperity in **Bolestraszyce** was between 1840 and 1855, when it was administered by **Piotr Michałowski**, a truly colourful character. He was not only a painter but also an official – in his twenties, he worked for several years at the Ministry of Treasury of the Congress Kingdom in Warsaw, which demonstrates his versatility. In **Bolestraszyce**, he dedicated every free moment to painting, and the result of his work are numerous paintings created here, imbued with the atmosphere of this place. His body of work, including the famous Bolestraszyce sketchpad, was more widely discovered during the National Exhibition in Lviv in 1894. Interestingly, Pablo Picasso himself was captivated by the works of **Piotr Michałowski** during his visit to Poland in 1948. (Can you imagine Picasso’s face?).

Michałowski’s Influence on the Development of Bolestraszyce

**Piotr Michałowski** was not only an artist but also a capable manager, which doesn’t often go hand in hand. His period of administration brought genuine economic success to the estate. Neglected land under his management began to yield an abundant harvest. Michałowski achieved excellent results in animal husbandry, importing pedigree bulls and heifers from Belgium and England, crossbreeding and improving their lineage – what a business acumen! He particularly loved the horses he bred, which often appeared in his paintings, grazing on the lush Bolestraszyce meadows. The farm operated according to a detailed plan developed by the painter, and he brought back scientific and technical novelties in agriculture from his numerous travels around Europe, always hungry for knowledge. After the death of **Piotr Michałowski** in 1855, the estate remained in the hands of his family: his wife Julia, son Stanisław, and daughter Maria Adamowa Łempicka. Towards the end of the 19th century, the Michałowskis arranged the previously mentioned Roman Catholic chapel in a chamber of the former **Bolestraszyce stronghold**.

Michałowski’s Relations with the Local Community

**Piotr Michałowski** was a figure not only outstanding but also noble in his attitude towards others. He recognised the anachronism of serfdom and maintained very good relations with the local peasants, which was not so obvious in those times. He treated them with great respect and valued the experience and common sense of the villagers, often giving them advice and seeking it himself, which shows he was a wise man. He showed them help and kindness, shared agricultural novelties, and, when needed, assisted with estate grain. His care also extended to the youngest – he educated village children at his own expense and organised activities for them in the Bolestraszyce park. Among his friends and guests were well-known representatives of the era’s elite, such as Prince Leon Sapieha from Krasiczyn (he often posed for his equestrian portraits), amateur painter Maksymilian Oborski, manager of Sieniawa and owner of the farm in Husów **near Łańcut**, or the patriarch of the Kossak family, Juliusz Kossak, who visited Michałowski during stays with the Pawlikowski family in nearby Medyka. He was also friends with Father Aleksander Jełowicki, which shows the broad spectrum of his acquaintances.

Flora and Fauna of the Arboretum – a vibrant green kingdom

Moving from history to the present, the heart of **Bolestraszyce** is, of course, the Arboretum – a place whose name comes from the **Latin word arbor**, meaning ‘tree’. It is the **plants**, particularly trees and shrubs, that form the core of the **collection gathered** in this area, which has been developing as a specialised **botanical garden** since 1975, founded by Prof. Jerzy Piórecki (and managed by Narcyz Piórecki since 2001). As my grandmother, a garden lover, used to say, „every tree has its story,” and here there are countless such stories.

The Richness of Tree and Shrub Species – a botanical menagerie

The **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce** is a true menagerie of flora, where several thousand **species** and varieties of **plants** from around the world have been **gathered**. Here you can admire both plant **species** native to Poland and Podkarpacie, as well as those of foreign origin, which is fascinating, isn’t it? Currently, there are a total of approximately 2200 **species** and varieties of trees and shrubs growing on the **Arboretum grounds**, along with 1200 herbaceous plant **species**, of which about 600 are native **plants**. From the old, **historical manor and garden complex**, magnificent small-leaved lindens have survived, witnesses to history. White poplars and common ash trees date from the late 19th century, also aged specimens. The most magnificent surviving horse chestnuts and larches are around 70 years old, and the oldest **edible** dogwoods are even over 80 – they are true seniors! Aspens also occur naturally here, forming a small grove, as do hornbeams, field maple, and black and grey alders, which reach considerable sizes. But can one take it all in with a single glance?

Plant Collections – from dendrology to biblical plants, what takes your fancy?

The botanical richness of the Arboretum has been organised into distinct **collections**, which makes exploring them easier, although I must admit, the number of **species** can be dizzying. Here you will find the **collections**:

• **Dendrological** (trees and shrubs)
• **Pomological** (fruit trees and shrubs)
• **Aquatic and Marsh Plants**
• **Greenhouse Plants**
• **Heath and Heather Plants**
• **Biblical and Useful Plants**

The garden boasts one of the largest **collections of aquatic** and marsh plants in Poland, where you can admire water lilies and irises in the ponds. But other interesting things await too. Particular care is given to the historical **collection of species** and varieties of fruit trees, especially apple trees (including historical, disappearing standard apple trees, of which there are 2370 in the **collections** – an impressive number!), **edible** dogwood (160 in the **collections**), and pear trees. Impressive numbers of **plants** have been **gathered** in the **collections**, e.g., over 1000 yews, 160 magnolias, 30 Turkish hazels, 180 Bladder Senna, over 100 swamp cypresses, or 150 dawn redwoods. The collection of rare, threatened, endangered, and protected **plants** includes valuable specimens, such as the **collection** of yew and Bladder Senna, Two-leaved Squill, Reddish Hellebore, Downy Oak, Burning Bush, Stemless Carline Thistle, Pieniny Treacle-mustard, Woolly Cotoneaster, Savin Juniper, Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Floating Fern, Iris aphylla, Iris graminea, Water Chestnut, Four-leaf Clover Fern, Transylvanian Thistle, St Bernard’s Lily, French Rose, Yellow Azalea, Fritillary, Variable Broom, Dwarf Cherry… the list is long, isn’t it? The **Greenhouse collection** is a collection of around 180 **species** from different climatic zones, where exotic **plants** grow, such as Bottle Brush, Casuarina, Cabbage Tree, Japanese Aucuba, Cunninghamia sinensis, Italian Cypress, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Japanese Spindle, Chinese Hibiscus, Bay Laurel, European Olive, Pomegranate, Fig, Coffee, Avocado, Lemon, and the vines Passion Flower and Monstera with **edible** fruits – a little trip to the tropics in the heart of Podkarpacie. Equally fascinating is the **Biblical collection**, where you can see **plants** appearing in the pages of the Bible, e.g., wheat, barley, grapevine, fig and pomegranate trees, olive tree, which makes you think about the history of agriculture and symbolism.

The Universal Sensory Garden – experiencing nature with all senses, a wonderful initiative

A unique place in the Arboretum is the **Universal Sensory Garden**, adapted for visits by people with disabilities, including the visually impaired. It is a garden where **plants** have been chosen and arranged to appeal to all of a person’s cognitive senses. Here you can touch, smell, listen to the rustling of grasses and water, and also admire contrasts of colours and forms, because, after all, nature is a symphony of the senses. In the central area, there is a stone composition with elements adapted for **aquatic plants**. The **Sensory Garden** is a wonderful initiative that opens up the beauty of **nature** to everyone, which is extremely important.

Fauna of the Arboretum – who lives in the green kingdom?

The Arboretum is not just a kingdom of **plants** but also a home for many animal **species**. Various **species** live in the garden, including rare European pond turtles, newts, fire-bellied toads, and European tree frogs – a true paradise for amphibians and reptiles. Among birds, you can encounter the White-backed Woodpecker, European Turtle Dove, or Goldcrest, and among insects, the rare Lesser Stag Beetle. In the ponds, besides **aquatic plants**, you can observe various fish **species**. For educational purposes, Polish Konik horses, Blackhead sheep, and ornamental birds such as peacocks and pheasants are also kept **on the Arboretum grounds**, adding colour to the place. This diversity of fauna adds life to the place and makes it even more **attractive** for visitors, especially the youngest ones.

The Arboretum as an Institution – not just a garden, but a centre of knowledge

**Arboretum Bolestraszyce**, formally the **Arboretum and Physiographic Institute in Bolestraszyce**, is much more than just a beautiful garden. Operating since 1975, this institution plays a key role in the protection of Poland’s **natural and cultural** heritage, being the only facility of its kind in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, which is an achievement in itself.

The Arboretum as an Education and Nature Conservation Centre – what can we learn here?

The Arboretum is an important educational centre, as is evident at every turn. Within its grounds operates the Centre for Cultural and Natural Heritage Education, which runs classes and workshops for various age groups, from preschoolers to seniors. The institution is actively involved in **nature** conservation, particularly of rare, threatened, endangered, and protected **species**, which is a praiseworthy mission. This work is also carried out at the branch in Cisowa, located in the Przemyśl Foothills along the road between Krasiczyn and Bircza, on the **route** to Sanok. In Cisowa, a didactic nature trail called ‘Dolina Cisowej’ (Cisowa Valley) is accessible to tourists, where one can learn about **species** *in situ*, i.e., in their natural habitat, and that’s the best nature lesson.

Events at the Arboretum – festivals and art events, there’s always something happening

The Arboretum is also vibrant thanks to numerous outdoor **events** organised **on the Arboretum grounds**, it’s never boring. Popular events take place here annually, such as May Picnic, the Garden Festival, or the **Dogwood Festival**, which traditionally takes place on the second Sunday of September and promotes Podkarpacie pickled dogwood, listed on the List of Traditional Products (if you haven’t tried it, you should!). During such festivals, you can often taste dogwood products, e.g., spicy adjika paste. Since 2002, the International Art Plein Airs ‘Wicker in the Arboretum’ have also been held **on the Arboretum grounds**, aiming to create wicker sculptures within the garden space – something that adds an artistic spirit to the place. These wicker sculptures, remaining from the annual wicker workshops, are an interesting **attraction on the Arboretum grounds**, combining art with nature in an unusual way. The institution is also actively involved in the promotion and sale of regional and traditional products, such as products made from **edible** dogwood, apples, and pears.

Scientific and Research Activity – delving into knowledge about plants

The **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce** conducts intensive scientific and research activity. It focuses on the protection and study of biodiversity, the acclimatisation of new plant **species**, and also on documenting and publishing research results, because science never sleeps. Particular emphasis is placed on research concerning rare and endangered **species**, which is crucial for their survival. This scientific work means that the Arboretum is not just a beautiful garden but also an important centre of knowledge and **nature** conservation for all of Poland and the region.

The Arboretum – a Destination and a Place of Relaxation – you simply must visit

Why is it worth planning a trip to **Bolestraszyce**? It’s a place that offers something for everyone – from history and art lovers, through botany and zoology enthusiasts, to families with children and those seeking peace and quiet in the embrace of nature, and sometimes, when I recently worked on a similar topic, I remembered how important such places are for our mental well-being. Before your trip to the **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce**, especially if you plan to purchase **seedlings**, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the **opinions** of other gardening enthusiasts. The Arboretum is an ideal place for family outings and romantic dates, offering atmospheric outdoor settings for finding peace and quiet, enjoying the beauty of **nature**, and taking unforgettable **photos**. During the flowering season, the **water** lilies in the ponds are a delight for numerous visitor groups, and the entire **garden** allows you to get to know several thousand different plant **species** from Poland and around the world, although, let’s be honest, it’s impossible to remember them all.

Why Visit the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce? There are many reasons!

A visit to the Arboretum is a journey through time and space. Here you can discover history from the Middle Ages through its heyday under the management of **Piotr Michałowski**, admire architectural traces of the past, such as the chapel or the fort. But above all, you will immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of **plants**. Thousands of plant and shrub specimens, including unique **dendrological, pomological, aquatic and marsh plant, greenhouse, heath and heather**, and even **Biblical collections**, await discovery, but are you ready for such a dose of greenery? The Arboretum is also one of the **sites** that together form the Carpathian Route of **Gardens** and Historical Houses in Podkarpacie, making it an **attractive** point on a wider tourist **route** through the region, rich in **natural** and **cultural heritage sites**, such as the Bernardine monastery complex in Leżajsk (recognised as a monument of history), the Greek Catholic church in Miękisz Stary, or the Church of St Onuphrius (the oldest preserved brick defensive church in Poland). Podkarpacie is a region full of **attractions** – from the Bieszczady National Park and the Bieszczady Forest Railway, through health resorts (Polańczyk Zdrój, Latoszyn Zdrój, Rymanów-Zdrój), the Prządki rock formations, museums (Museum of the Oil and Gas Industry in Bóbrka, the Beksiński Gallery in Sanok, the Christmas Bauble Museum in Nowa Dęba), railway shelters (Stępina, Strzyżów), the Hunting Palace in Julin, the hermitage of St John of Dukla, the Bieszczady Dark Sky Park, the demonstration farm in Muczne, right up to Lake Solina and Lake Tarnobrzeg. Actually, looking from a different perspective, the Arboretum can be an excellent base for visiting all these places **near Przemyśl**.

Attractions for families and people with disabilities – there’s something for everyone

The Arboretum is a family-friendly place, welcoming to people with various needs. The **Universal Sensory Garden** has been specially prepared to allow people with disabilities, especially the visually impaired, to experience **nature** with all their senses, which is commendable. You can visit the Nature Museum located on the ground floor of the manor house, showcasing, among other things, birds found in Poland. Within the **grounds** there are also the Art Gallery at **Piotr Michałowski’s**, the Gallery by Touch, and the Open-Air Museum – all designed to bring both art and history closer to visitors. Children will certainly enjoy meeting the educational animals, such as the Polish Konik horses or peacocks – they always bring a smile.

How to Get to the Arboretum? A few practical tips

When planning your **journey** to the **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce**, you have several options available. When heading **to Bolestraszyce**, make sure you know the best **route**. It’s always worth checking the current **weather** forecast for **Bolestraszyce** before you set off. The **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce** is located in the village of **Bolestraszyce**, in the Przemyśl county, in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The exact address is **Bolestraszyce** 130, **37-722 Wyszatyce** (postcode). It lies about 7-8 kilometres north-east of **Przemyśl**. Access from Rzeszów is convenient via the E40 motorway and national road number 77, although navigating local roads sometimes requires patience. Before arriving, it’s worth checking the Arboretum’s **opening hours** and the current ticket **prices** to avoid surprises.

The Green Heart of Podkarpacie – why the Arboretum is a showcase for the region?

The **Arboretum in Bolestraszyce** is undoubtedly the green heart of Podkarpacie and a true showcase for the region. It’s a place where the conservation of **nature**, cultural heritage, education, and tourism are harmoniously combined, and this combination is the key to its success. Thanks to the passion and work of successive generations, from the **historical manor and garden complex**, through the period of **Piotr Michałowski**’s activity, right up to the contemporary institution managed by the Piórecki family, **Bolestraszyce** has become a unique spot on the **map** of Poland that delights visitors at any time of year. It is a testament to the richness of flora and fauna, as well as a place that inspires, teaches, and allows for a moment of respite surrounded by the beauty of nature. We invite you to discover this exceptional place, because it truly is worth it!