Zalipie the Painted Cottages

On a sunny weekend we went to see the picturesque village of Zalipie, a small cottages, located near Tarnów, about 100 km from Krakow. Zalipie is like a living art gallery, where the tradition of painting has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to this day. It’s a charming place where you can immerse yourself in local culture and experience the beauty of Polish folk art firsthand.
The tradition of painting and decorating houses dates back to the 19th century. How did it begin? In the past, the cottages were dark, nearly black from soot due to the stoves. To clean them, people started whitewashing the walls, and soon the women began adding colorful patterns to brighten them up.Over time, they also started painting vibrant flowers on windows, fences, garden ornaments, and even dog kennels. This simple act of decoration grew into a beautiful tradition.
It’s worth stopping by the Felicja Curyło Museum, where you can learn about the life and work of one of Zalipie’s most famous folk artists. Curyło was a pioneer of this tradition, and her beautifully decorated home is preserved as a museum, showcasing her extraordinary talent and passion.

Today, a stroll through the village allows visitors to admire the work of these woman. Zalipie offers a unique opportunity to experience Polish folk art in its most authentic form.

Interested in visiting this place? Contact us to have your trip to this outstanding place.

See photos of our visiting.