Located on the banks of the San River, Jarosław is a historic town in Poland’s south-east. It was once an important commercial hub between Lesser Poland and Red Ruthenia, with trade routes linking to the seaport of Gdansk and Hungary. During World War II, it was the site of the Battle of Jarosław between Polish forces and the German Wehrmacht.
Things to do in Jarosław
One of Jarosław’s most impressive buildings is the Great Synagogue, which was constructed between 1807 and 1811 in a Baroque style. It has since been decommissioned and is now occupied by an art school. Step inside the pillared main hall where art exhibitions take place, with a plaque commemorating the Jewish residents who were killed during World War II.
Don’t miss the Greek Catholic Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, which was originally completed in 1746 and rebuilt in 1911. It is an important pilgrimage site and houses a revered icon known as “Our Lady of Jarosław”. The church’s elegant facade is framed by twin spires and topped by a large dome while the interior is beautifully decorated with religious frescoes.
Hidden beneath the streets of Jarosław are two underground passages that have been transformed into tourist attractions. Recreated rooms and multimedia displays help to bring the city’s history to life with exhibits that will appeal to all ages. While one of the passages passes beneath the Rydzikowa tenement house, the other lies beneath the Orsetti, Attavanti and Gruszewicz residences.
Getting around Jarosław
Jarosław is around 45 minutes’ drive from Rzeszow and Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to the Jarosław railway station and buses travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions. The centre of Jarosław is compact enough to explore on foot.