Bialski: Monasteries, Churches and Traditions

On a trip to Bialski, you’ll encounter religious history, sacred art and an annual tradition. Among the specific points of interest are an Orthodox monastery, churches with historic icons, places of remembrance and the Nadbużański hiking trail near the Bug River. This lets you plan your trip around culture, history or time outdoors.

Monasteries, Churches and Remembrance

The monastery in Jabłeczna is one of Poland’s most important Orthodox sanctuaries and was founded in the 15th century. Its Church of Saint Onuphrius dates from the 19th century. The richly decorated iconostasis contains an icon of the patron saint, dated to the 12th or 13th century. The church and icon thus bring together two widely separated periods.

The wooden Church of Saint Nikita in Kostomłoty dates from 1631 and contains icons from the 17th and 18th centuries. Since 1998, the church has been the sanctuary of the Blessed Martyrs of Podlasie. Its year of construction, artworks and status as a sanctuary combine to give it a distinctive religious and historical profile.

In the chapel in Leśna Podlaska, you can see an authentic trunk from the pear tree associated with events three centuries ago. At the place where the tree once grew, there is now a fenced-in spring or well. Both the preserved trunk and the site of the former tree are part of this remarkable story.

The most important object of veneration at the Sanctuary of Kodeń is the revered image of Our Lady of Kodeń. Pratulin recalls a violent chapter in history: in 1874, thirteen Uniates were shot and killed there by Tsarist soldiers. Pope John Paul II recognized them as Blessed Martyrs of the Faith in 1996. These two places offer different ways to engage with religious art and history.

The museum park in Romanów contains a Neo-Gothic gate and a chapel converted into the Kraszewski family mausoleum. The park thus brings together two distinct architectural features alongside a chapel whose function has changed.

Tradition, Landscape and Trip Planning

The Feast of Saint Onuphrius takes place in Jabłeczna every year on June 24 and 25. It includes a nighttime procession from the church to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The Janów Podlaski Stud Farm grounds are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the purchase of an admission ticket. If either of these is a highlight of your stay, check visitor information in advance and plan around the stated times.

The Nadbużański hiking trail runs very close to the Bug River along quiet country roads and dirt tracks, and connects to nature trails. If you’d like to include landscapes in your trip as well as religious sites, the trail offers a different focus.

The Bialski County Office provides a list of public transport connections and timetables. Check the information before setting off if you plan to use these connections.

If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, first decide which visits will shape your daily itinerary. Factor the available timetables and the stud farm’s specific visiting hours into your plans. This will help you plan your stay around the sights you actually intend to visit.

Discover more destinations: Gnojno, Kukuryki, Cieleśnica, Solinki, Grabanów, Terespol, Kodeń, Czosnówka, Małaszewicze Duże, Biała Podlaska, Leśna Podlaska, Janów Podlaski, Pratulin, Bubel-Łukowiska, Rokitno, Horbów, Slawatycze, Małaszewicze, Konstantynów, Mokrany Nowe, Woskrzenice Małe, Wisznice, Meseritz.

For the broader travel overview: Lublin.