Osieczany’s history can be read in its roadside chapel, stone figures and memorial mound. The village is one of the oldest settlements in the Myślenice region; it was first mentioned in a document in 1234. Later monuments mark different periods: religious sculptures from the 19th century and a mound raised between 1936 and 1939. The wider destination of Myślenice offers its own cultural and hiking options.

Roadside Chapel and Stone Sculptures

Osieczany has a brick roadside chapel dating from the 19th century. Its statue depicts Christ falling under the cross; the depiction is associated with the year 1813. The chapel and the year refer to different dates: the building is dated to the 19th century, while 1813 is associated with the depiction.

The stone roadside figures from the 1830s include a Pietà, a statue of Christ of Nazareth, and figures of the Virgin Mary, Saint Matthew and John the Evangelist. The subjects range from a scene from the Passion to depictions of religious figures. Together with the earlier documentary mention, these offer several distinct points of reference for dating the village’s history.

The Józef Piłsudski Mound

The five-metre-high Józef Piłsudski Mound was raised between 1936 and 1939 at the initiative of local Legionnaires’ activists and village youth. Stone steps lead to the top, with an information board beside them. At the summit is a memorial stone bearing the inscription “Marszałkowi Józefowi Piłsudskiemu – młodzież z Osieczan 1936-1939”. It can be read as a dedication to Marshal Józef Piłsudski from the youth of Osieczany. The construction dates and the youth mentioned in the text connect the site with its origins.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Myślenice

Myślenice adds its own history as a town to the picture of Osieczany. Its urban layout is regarded as a valuable monument at regional and national levels, as well as an example of a medieval town plan. The surviving remains of a settlement dating from before the town was founded add another historical layer to this picture.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Myślenice represents another historical period: the church was built in the mid-15th century and received an early Baroque chapel in 1642–1646. Housed there is a miraculous image painted in Italy in the 16th century, which became the destination of numerous pilgrimages. The sanctuary’s main feast day is September 8. From May to October, nighttime Fatima devotions with vigils are also held on the 13th of each month.

Hiking Trails in the Wider Destination of Myślenice

Three hiking trails starting in Myślenice differ in route, destination and stated duration. The red trail passes through Działek, Kudłacze and Łysina to Jaworzyce: it is 15.5 kilometres long and takes six hours. The yellow trail runs through Dalin and Pisania to Sułkowice; its 13.5 kilometres are listed as taking three hours and 45 minutes.

Another red route passes through Sularzówka, Trzebuńska Góra, Babica, Bieńkowska Góra and Końcówka to Palcza. It is 20.5 kilometres long, with a stated duration of five hours and 45 minutes one way. This makes it the longest of the three routes described, while the yellow trail has the shortest stated duration. When planning, it is worth considering not only the kilometres but also the stated time and what it specifically refers to.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Glichów, Dobczyce, Sieraków, Krzyszkowice, Krzczonów, Stróża, Borzęta, Skomielna Czarna.

For the wider travel overview: Myślenice.