Olszyna: Church Art, Palace History and the Motopark

Olszyna reveals itself through striking contrasts: Neogothic brickwork and older church art sit alongside the history of a destroyed Baroque palace, while the Motopark adds an entirely different focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment as a base for your trip, you can first consider whether architectural history, motorsport or outdoor activities will shape your stay.

Churches with Different Architectural Histories

The Neogothic church, built of red brick, was constructed in 1897. It once served as a Protestant church; today it serves the parish of św. Józefa Oblubieńca NMP. Its tower defines Olszyna’s skyline. Different periods also meet inside: there is a Renaissance high altar from 1652, a Baroque-classical baptismal font from the 18th–19th century, and electrical fittings from the 19th century.

The Church of Podwyższenia Krzyża Św. offers a different architectural accent. This east-facing, single-nave stone building is mentioned in documents dating back to 1314. Particularly rich in detail is its wooden, polychrome coffered ceiling from 1614: among the plant motifs appear Christ, the apostles, John the Baptist and the Angel of Peace. Polychrome means multicoloured; the ceiling combines its imagery with an ornamental background. The church’s former furnishings also included a Renaissance high altar from 1652.

When comparing the two churches, the differences go beyond their architectural styles. The red-brick building combines a Neogothic silhouette with furnishings from different centuries; at the Church of Podwyższenia Krzyża Św., the stone building and painted wooden ceiling take centre stage. Olszyna thus offers several very tangible ways to explore its architectural history.

Palace History with a Clear Turning Point

The Baroque palace is also part of the town’s history: it was built in 1704 and restored in the 19th century. A fire destroyed the building in 1959; it was not rebuilt. For culturally minded travellers, this story adds another chapter in Olszyna’s architectural past to the churches that still stand.

Motorsport at the Olszyna Motopark

The Olszyna Motopark offers a very different focus. The site covers 502,000 square metres; the nearly 30-kilometre off-road race circuit hosts the international King Of Poland and GORM24 competitions every year. This also allows you to see Olszyna from a sporting perspective, clearly distinct from its churches and their history. If you would like to plan your trip around a competition, check the relevant event dates.

A Path to the Edge of the Forest

For a walk, a trail leads from the main road, ul. Wolności, along a footpath beside the bypass and reaches the edge of a forest after about two kilometres. A blue trail runs there. This route description offers a specific starting point for anyone looking to include an outdoor walk as well as visits to buildings. Before setting out, check the trail’s condition and markings on site.

Another View of the Landscape in the Municipality

The Castle of Rajsko is not in Olszyna itself, but in Zapusta within the municipality. From its tall tower, the view stretches across wooded slopes and a reservoir to Czocha Castle, reflected in the waters of Jezioro Leśniańskie. This viewpoint adds a landscape perspective from another place in the municipality to the history of Olszyna.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Olszyna, you can assess the town according to your preferred holiday focus: church art and architectural history, motorsport or a walk outdoors. If you would also like to consider places elsewhere in the municipality, Zapusta and the Castle of Rajsko offer another focus shaped by the landscape.

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