Zalipie is a small, older village in the south-east of Poland and is considered one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Poland. And that's not because it's full of five-star hotels or modern glass buildings, on the contrary - it's so interesting because of the small wooden houses decorated with flower paintings. Wonderful!
This beautiful tradition came into effect more than a hundred years ago, when every woman is a permanent resident of the village Zalipie in Poland started painting the home with the floral motifs she wanted to cover up some flaws in the building. At that time, women did not have professional painting equipment, so they painted with homemade brushes made of cow tail bristles. To prepare the paint, they used the fat left over from making the dumplings. They had their charming murals repaint every year, and they did this on the feast of the holy body and blood (body) of salvation, when they were not so busy working on the farm.
That was her a happy and unique habit, which was still passed down from generation to generation, and women sought inspiration in nature and local folklore. One woman was particularly fascinated by this tradition. Her name was Felicja Curylowa (1904–1974), and she decorated her house from 'head to toe'. After her death, the house was converted into museum, which is a real attraction today.
Today, the village of Zalipie is considered one of the the most picturesque settlements in Poland. Despite its beauty and unique traditions, it has not yet been overrun by tourists. So traveling there is not only a great way to an escape away from the city pace, but also a good and relaxing way to we enjoy life and art.
Gallery: Zalipie village
