Witanowice: Skawa River Landscape, Church and Hiking Trail

On the right bank of the Skawa lies Witanowice, with a landscape setting and local history that can be traced through both its church and the remains of former manor buildings. A hiking trail runs through the village. Together, these features offer different ways to explore the area: you can learn about its landforms, put historical building phases into context, or consider Witanowice as a stop on a longer hiking route.

Landscape along the Skawa

Witanowice includes the western edge of the Wieliczka Foothills, also known as Płaskowyż Draboża. The valley of the Lgota stream and a steep escarpment divide the area; the escarpment descends towards the Skawa Valley. This brings together the riverbank setting, the edge of the foothills, the stream valley and the escarpment as distinct landscape features. If landscape is your first consideration when choosing a holiday destination, this combination offers a concrete point of reference: Witanowice can be understood not only by its location on the Skawa, but also by its named landforms.

Church history and a new building after the fire

The church in Witanowice is mentioned as early as 1325–1327. In the 16th and early 17th centuries, it was a Calvinist church. These dates, far apart in time, offer insight into different periods of the village’s history. The building’s history also has a clear turning point: the wooden church in Witanowice burned down completely in 1963. A new, brick church with a modern design, designed by Antoni Mazur of Kraków, was built in its place. Those interested in sacred architecture will find here not only a history of religious denominations, but also a concrete transition from a wooden building to a new brick church.

Traces of former manor architecture

In the southern part of Witanowice, in the area known as Wolańszczyzna near the border with Babica, a former manor building still stands, though partly altered. Remains of the former manor house have been preserved on the grounds of a private concrete plant that is currently in operation. The forms of preservation differ: the manor building remains standing, though partly altered, while only remains of the manor house survive. These traces add further concrete connections to the village’s architectural history alongside its church history.

Hiking trail through Witanowice

A hiking trail runs from Kalwaria Lanckorona PKP via Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Zebrzydowice, Wysoka and Babica, through Witanowice, and onward to Tomice and Wadowice. Along this route, Witanowice is a stop between Babica and Tomice. The places named help you follow the route if you are including a hike in your travel plans. Check local trail conditions in advance.

When looking for an apartment in Witanowice, you can first decide which focus you would like to shape your stay: the landscape along the Skawa and Lgota stream, the history of the church and manor, or the hiking trail through the village.

Discover more destinations: Bachowice, Mucharz, Targanice, Jaszczurowa, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Wadowice, Rzyki, Klecza Dolna.

Back to the main travel overview: Wadowice.