Hello, dear travellers in the land of imagination! Today we are taking you to an unusual place in the south-eastern corner of Poland, located **near** picturesque Przemyśl in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. We are talking about Kuńkowce, a small village which has become home to something absolutely unique – the Fantasy Village. It is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a living world where magic seems to intertwine with history and every step can lead to a fascinating adventure, just like in your favourite books. Together, we will discover what makes the Fantasy Village Kuńkowce, also known as the Fantasy Village of Ogrodziska, attract crowds of fantasy fans and beyond. Are you ready for a journey through time and space, to a place where reality meets fairytale? The Fantasy Village near Przemyśl is waiting to tell you its story, and there is much to tell, believe me.

The Fantasy Village: Where does the heart of the magical settlement beat?

The heart of this magical settlement is certainly its authenticity and the passion with which it has been created by a handful of enthusiasts. The Fantasy Village in Kuńkowce is not just a collection of buildings, but above all a vibrant place where new stories play out every day, written by those who are there. It functions all year round, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in another reality. And yet, in today’s world, a break from everyday life is sometimes worth its weight in gold.

The fortified castle – the heart of the Fantasy Village: architecture, history and magic – what does it hide?

The most important element of the entire theme park in Kuńkowce is undoubtedly the fortified castle, rising proudly on a hill. Surrounded by a solid palisade, two gates, watchtowers and a moat, it is the oldest part of the village, its original core. Its construction was made possible thanks to funding obtained from the Youth in Action programme – proof that good ideas find support. This fortress, although in a fantasy spirit, is reminiscent of medieval fortresses, while also being the stage for numerous events, such as the dynamic battle for the fortress during the May Festival (a spectacle well worth seeing!). Remigiusz Maciupa adds that, like historical castles and strongholds, Kuńkowce is no exception and has also experienced fire in its history, which only adds to the authenticity of this fantastic place – after all, true stories are rarely devoid of drama.

The fortified suburb: what is daily life and crafts like in a magical settlement?

Further behind the fortified town, there is a defensive suburb, also surrounded by a palisade, although part of it was consumed by fire last year – a minor inconvenience that nevertheless shows that this world is “alive” and subject to change. This is where the daily life of the settlement is concentrated, with buildings generally accessible to visitors. In the lower courtyard you will find an inn, where you can refresh yourself after the hardships of the journey (after all, a hungry knight is a bad knight!), a smithy, where blacksmiths probably forge magical items (or those more mundane, but equally necessary), and a bathhouse with showers and a large hot tub, providing a bit of luxury in a harsh fantasy world (something everyone would probably want after a day full of adventures). There’s also a shed, the perfect place to get together and tell stories – after all, what’s an adventure without an evening’s storytelling? Nearby, there is a farmer’s cottage, tending to the animals, as well as a barn and a stable, completing the picture of a self-sufficient medieval settlement – it looks really convincing.

Kuńkowce: from a quiet village to a tourist pearl of the Subcarpathian region?

The change that the village of Kuńkowce has undergone with the creation of the Fantasy Village is truly remarkable. From a small village on the outskirts of Przemyśl, Kuńkowce has become a recognisable point on the tourist map of Poland. The whole of Poland has heard about this village near Przemyśl, although (to be honest) not always in the context of mass tourism, rather as a curiosity for the initiated.

Kuńkowce before and after the Fantasy Village: what has changed for tourism and economic development?

Before the Fantasy Village was established, Kuńkowce was a typical, quiet village like many in the Subcarpathian region. However, a project implemented by the Association for the Development of the Przemysl Region and the Przemysl Fantasy Guild changed its face in an unexpected way. A Fantasy Village has sprung up on the outskirts of Kuńsk, attracting more and more tourists. Remigiusz Maciupa, project coordinator, mentions that this influx of visitors has had a real impact on the local economy, translating, he hopes, into an increase in the turnover of the local shop, for example. The site has the ambition to activate Kuńkowce both tourism-wise and economically, which already seems to be having some, though perhaps not yet spectacular, effects.

The people of Kuńkowce: from scepticism to pride – what was their path?

The beginnings, as is often the case with innovative ideas, were not easy, which probably comes as no surprise. At the beginning, the idea of a Fantasy Village was regarded by the locals as something of a quirk – “after all, it’s just a game of dress-up”, one could hear from some quarters. Over time, however, seeing the positive changes, the influx of tourists and the energy of the creators, scepticism began to give way to curiosity and even pride in the local, unusual attraction. Remigiusz Maciupa is happy to note that no one is surprised anymore to see people dressed in medieval costumes, rags, animal skins or using props from another era, becoming part of the everyday landscape of the village of Kuńkowce. And yet it is wonderful when the local community accepts something so unusual.

Remigiusz Maciupa: Who is behind the creation of the magical world?

Behind every great vision there is a person or a group of people with a passion, I think that’s obvious. In the case of the Fantasy Village in Kuńkowce, the key figure is Remigiusz Maciupa, whose determination and dreams led to the creation of this magical place. It is safe to say that without him all this would not exist.

Remigiusz Maciupa’s vision: from fantasy dream to reality – how did it come about?

Remigiusz Maciupa, being part of the Przemysl Fantasy Guild, decided that fantasy and role-playing game lovers could use a permanent place to pursue their passion – after all, where else can you run around in armour without arousing astonishment? From the dream of creating a living fantasy world where people could take on a variety of roles and have unforgettable adventures, the idea of building a Fantasy Village was born. His vision was for a place that would not just be a setting, but a real, functioning settlement, fitting into the aesthetics of fantasy literature, magical medieval or magic and sword literature. And this vision, step by step, he managed to realise.

Remigiusz Maciupa’s path: from corporation to full-time knight – is it possible?

Remigiusz’s story shows the power of passion and courage to follow one’s dreams, even if they seem crazy to others. He studied in Krakow, but decided to return to his home town of Kuńkowiec, in the countryside, to pursue his vision – certainly a bold decision. Not an isolated case, it turns out that the inspiration behind Fantasy Village has influenced the lives of many people, something Remigiusz is very happy about. He says with satisfaction that several people have left their corporate jobs to devote themselves to working in the village, becoming a full-time knight or storyteller, for example – a remarkable career change, showing the potential and impact of this magical place. He also enjoys the impact that the Fantasy Village has had on his life and the lives of those who have chosen to take this step. And after all, not everyone can boast of working as a ‘full-time knight’, can they?

Inspirations and references: where did the fantasy world of Kukunkovts come from?

Every fantasy world has its roots, its sources from which it draws. The Fantasy Village in Kuńkowce draws on a wealth of pop culture and local traditions to create a unique, truly intriguing mix.

“The Witcher”, “Lord of the Rings” and Slavic traditions: what inspired the creators of the Fantasy Village?

Remigiusz Maciupa explains that the main inspiration for the construction of the village was fantasy literature in the broadest sense, including the concept of the magical Middle Ages or the literature of magic and swordplay. And indeed, in the Fantasy Village one can clearly see references to such classics as Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher or J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings – these works of culture provided visual and plot ideas for the shaping of the world, which can be seen, for example, in the costumes or props. At the same time, and extremely valuable and distinctive, the style of the settlement draws heavily on Slavic traditions, which gives the place a local, unique character and sets it apart from typical Western fantasy interpretations. This combination seems to be a hit.

The architectural style of Fantasy Village: how to combine medieval, magic and Slavic folklore?

The architecture of the Fantasy Village is a conscious combination of historical (early medieval, which has its own charm), fantasy and folklore elements. The creators are not a reconstruction group, so they did not have to stick rigidly to historical rules, which gave them freedom. Their aim was to build something utilitarian, visually impressive and perfectly in line with the accepted aesthetic of fantasy alluding to Slavic roots – and they succeeded, it has to be said. The structures, such as the fortified town and the huts of the inhabitants (fishermen’s huts, trojak), while drawing on historical models, are imbued with an aura of magic and fairytale, creating a setting ideal for adventure. As an architect friend of mine says: ‘sometimes less realism is more magic’.

Events and happenings: when does the magic come alive in Kuńkowce?

The Fantasy Village is not only a permanent setting, although this is impressive, but above all a dynamic centre of events that bring the magical world to life and allow visitors to become part of it, which is probably the most important thing.

May Day at the Fantasy Village: battle for the castle and fantastic attractions – what can you count on?

Although the Fantasy Village is open all year round, the season proper starts in May, with a real bang. The opening event is traditionally marked by the so-called May Fair in a fantasy atmosphere – a several-day event filled with attractions, games and fun – everything your heart desires. A fixed and very spectacular element of the programme is the Battle of the Castle, which allows participants to feel the thrill and experience the defence of a medieval stronghold first-hand – something completely different from sitting in front of a computer. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of magic and adventure.

“Game of Thrones”: winter adventures in a magical world – only for the brave?

Winter in Kuńkowce also has its own fantastic charm, although you have to be ready for slightly more difficult conditions. The Fantasy Village then organises several days of ‘Game of Thrones’ events. These are engaging simulation and survival games that take place in an extremely picturesque winter setting – beautiful but challenging. These events are open and aimed at anyone who wants to get a taste of life in another world, test their skills in more challenging conditions and experience unforgettable moments with like-minded enthusiasts. If you are ready for the cold and the challenges, this is something for you.

LARP in Kuńkowce: plans for the future – will we see a Polish Drachenfest here?

The Fantasy Village already has a track record of organising live action role-playing games (LARPs). The first LARP in Kuńkowce was organised in 2010, which shows that the idea had been alive there for a long time. The Fantasy Village also offers a unique space for organising a variety of special events, which is an interesting alternative to typical venues. Whether it is a birthday party in a fantastic atmosphere (no one will forget such a thing!), company integration meetings, which allow employees to break away from office reality and experience something extraordinary together, or even New Year’s Eve in a medieval castle – the possibilities are wide and certainly unusual. The magical atmosphere is also conducive to the celebration of traditional holidays, such as **Cupal Night**, which could be another fascinating event in the Fantasy Village calendar. However, Remigiusz Maciupa makes no secret of the fact that he dreams of organising an event on a much larger scale in Kuńkowce – a LARP for several thousand people, which would be a logistical challenge, but also a dream come true. His model is the famous Drachenfest that takes place every year in Germany, the largest event of its kind in Europe. Remigiusz does not rule out that such a large-scale LARP in Kuńkowce could already take place in 2017 (although time has shown that such plans are sometimes ambitious and take time). These are ambitious plans that testify to the potential of the place and the dream of creating one of the biggest fantasy events in Poland. Such a LARP would allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the created world, playing a variety of roles, which, in fact, is the essence of fantasy fun.

• Possible roles during a large LARP could include, for example:
• Master Craftsmen, such as a blacksmith who really works with fire
• Adventurers, such as hunters who track game (or imitation game)
• Unusual characters, such as orcs, as long as you like to impersonate ‘the bad guys’.

Such an event would be the culmination of the idea of a living Fantasy Village, right?

Fantasy Village: who is this place for?

The unique offer of the Fantasy Village makes it an attractive place for a very diverse group of visitors looking for something more than standard entertainment, something that stays in the memory for a long time.

Families with children: magical adventures for children – is it worth coming with children?

The Fantasy Village is the ideal place for a family outing, especially if your children love fairy tales and adventures. Children can feel like characters from their favourite fairy tales or games, in a safe environment discovering the secrets of the castle, learning crafts or simply having fun outdoors in an unusual setting, which is probably healthier than another day in front of a screen. The opportunity to meet characters in medieval costume and immerse themselves in a historical and fantastic world is an unforgettable adventure for the little ones, which stimulates the imagination, and after all, this is what childhood is all about.

Special events: birthdays, company meetings – can you organise something special here?

The Fantasy Village also offers a unique space for organising various special events, which is an interesting alternative to typical venues. Whether it’s a birthday party in a fantasy atmosphere (no one will forget that!), an integrative company meeting, which allows employees to break away from office reality and experience something unusual together, or even New Year’s Eve in a medieval castle – the possibilities are wide and certainly unusual. Incorporating participants into a living fantasy world and assigning them different roles (from hunter to blacksmith to orc, if you feel like it) ensures that every such event is unique and full of excitement.

Fantasy fans: immersing yourself in a living world of magic and adventure – is this a dream come true?

For true fantasy lovers, the Fantasy Village in Kuńkowce is a dream come true, simple as that. It’s a chance to literally enter a world inspired by favourite works such as The Witcher or The Lord of the Rings, almost like teleportation. Being able to don medieval costumes, use props from another era and take on the roles of the inhabitants of a settlement or fantastic creatures such as orcs allows you to fully immerse yourself in a vivid world of magic and adventure, something you can’t experience anywhere else. Remigiusz Maciupa notes that the village is usually visited by people from larger cities, working in offices every day, who want to relax in the wilderness and experience something completely different – there is something in that. So far, paintball or quad biking have been popular, while the Fantasy Village offers something completely different – an authentic experience in a created world. People come here who want to experience something together, to build memories.

Fantasy Village: is it more than just entertainment?

The success and development of the Fantasy Village in Kuńkowce testifies to the fact that this place has more important functions than just providing entertainment, although this is great. It has a real impact on its surroundings and provides an interesting model for development, especially in rural areas.

The impact of the Fantasy Village on the local community: new opportunities and perspectives – is this an opportunity for the Kunkovtsy?

As we have already mentioned, the Fantasy Village has had a positive impact on the village of Kuńkowce, bringing new energy to the area. Tourists have started to arrive, which, as Remigiusz Maciupa notes, has the potential to increase the turnover of the local shop and other service outlets, which is obviously desirable. The initial ‘oddity’ has become a source of pride and an element of local identity – residents are beginning to identify with the place. What’s more, Fantasy Village has also become a workplace. Several people have left their previous jobs, often in corporations, to work in the village as a full-time knight, storyteller or as part of an event agency – this creates new and unusual employment opportunities in rural areas, which is very valuable.

The economics of Fantasy Village: from grants to financial independence – how does it work?

The realisation of such an ambitious project required financial resources – after all, building a castle does not happen for free. The Fantasy Village was created and developed thanks to funding from several smaller grants, including the Youth in Action programme, which financed the construction of the oldest part – the fortified castle. Six years after its inception (that’s a long time!), the Fantasy Village is starting to earn its own money, which is a major achievement and proof of sustainability. For the past year, it has had an event agency within it with several full-time employees – already a serious enterprise. This agency, which is part of the Fantasy Village, is responsible for organising all events on site, as well as away events, sewing and creating costumes, props and scenery, which shows the breadth of activities it covers.

Fantasy Village as a theme park: the offer and the future – what else is in store?

The Fantasy Village already functions as a fully-fledged theme park, covering an area of more than 2.5 hectares, plus adjoining areas such as a nature and education trail of more than 2.5 kilometres – a considerable space for exploration. It offers a rich fantasy world experience that is constantly evolving. The most important is the fortified castle, but there are also houses of the inhabitants next to it, such as fishermen’s huts (designed for people to raise fish in the pond, because after all, someone has to do it!) or trojaki (a triple farmer’s hut with a bread oven). Remigiusz Maciupa points out that these huts are to be improved, and interactive displays will be created in each one to further enhance the educational and immersive offer – great ideas for the future. Further on, a defensive sub-garden extends with public buildings and meeting places. In the forest, meanwhile, several locations used for outdoor games are hidden, adding an element of mystery and adventure. The future looks interesting, with plans to develop the infrastructure and dreams of organising a large-scale LARP on an international scale, which would cement the Fantasy Village’s position as a key venue for fans of the genre in Poland and beyond – after all, why not dream big?

When planning a visit to the Fantasy Village, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. To make it easier to get to this magical place, it’s a good idea to map out the optimal **route** to get to Kuńkowce in advance and check the exact **address** of the Fantasy Village. The size of the park and its layout can best be understood by glancing at the **map** of the Fantasy Village, which will help you get your bearings.

Kunkovce and the Fantasy Village: what is memorable?

The Fantasy Village in Kuńkowce is a fascinating example of how passion and vision can change the face of a small village and create a unique place on the map of Poland, proof that it is worth following your dreams. It is living proof that dreams of a magical world, inspired by great fantasy literature and rooted in local Slavic traditions, can become reality, tangible and accessible to everyone. From a sceptically perceived ‘quirk’ to a recognisable theme park, hosting popular events such as the Battle of the Castle Maypole or the winter ‘Game of Thrones’ – the road has been long, but successful. A place that attracts townspeople thirsting for wilderness adventures, gives new perspectives to the local community and allows fantasy enthusiasts to take on their dream roles – this really means a lot to many people. The story of Pony and the Fantasy Village is a tale of magic, history and adventure that is still being written, with hopes for future big events such as the planned LARP for thousands of participants. It’s a place you simply have to visit to feel its extraordinary atmosphere yourself and become part of a fantastic world for a while – because doesn’t everyone dream of a little magic in their lives?