Krosno

Krosno is one of he oldest towns of Subcarpathia. Archaeologists claim that the settlement on the territory of modern town existed in Neolithic times. It is believed that the urban settlement emerged here in 981, when the grand prince of Kyiv Volodymyr the Great annexed modern south-eastern Polish lands to the Principality of Kyiv. In the XIth century Krosno became a border point of the Przemyśl Land within the Principality of Galicia–Volhynia. For centuries the town has been famous for Hungarian wine trade. Later it became a centre of oil industry, today it is known for producing decorative and household glass.

The Market Square forms the oldest historical part of the town, being surrounded by old stone buildings. Numerous stone buildings have preserved typical arcade galleries, which create a special authentic atmosphere in the town. Most of the stone buildings have cellars where wine was stored. Among them tourists are mostly attracted by "kamienica wójtowska", built in the XVth century. Inside Franciscan church and monastery the Oświęcim Chapel is located, which is considered to be one of the greatest pearls of Polish baroque. Parish basilica of the Holy Trinity (XIVth, XVI-XVIIth centuries) has one of the richest and best preserved sacral interiors on the territory of all south-eastern Poland. There is a baroque tower-bell which has one of the largest bells in Poland. The building has already become a recognizable symbol of Krosno.

The biggest collection of kerosene lamps of Europe is located in the Subcarpathian Museum. The exhibition is complemented by XIX-XXth centuries interior items and the displays of Ignacy Łukasiewicz's life (the inventor of kerosene lamp). Another popular tourists destination is the  Museum of Crafts in Krosno. Craft documents, articles and tools of handicraft of former Galicia are exhibited there. The entire collection is presented in a mini-workshop format. The Museum is located in the building of the former First Polish factory of clocks for towers.

One of the most popular and most beautiful events that take place in Krosno is a race of flying balloons (aerostats). They start annually in early May. The competitions are followed by concerts, fairs and night shows of balloons. Another interesting event taking place in Krosno is a Festival-Fair "Carpathian Climates". It reminds local residents and visitors about old traditions of Hungarian wine trade. In August for a few days Krosno turns into a Hungarian town, where the presentation of Hungarian culture takes place, accompanied by wine tasting.