Wdzydze - Exploring the Kashubian Ethnographic Park [GALLERY]

Post Views: 13

Wdzydze, a small village located in the northern part of Poland, is home to a unique and magnificent open-air museum – Kashubian Ethnographic Park. This park is a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Kaszuby region, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Rated by Szymon
5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Kashubian Ethnographic Park

The Wdzydze, Kashubian Ethnographic Park was established in 1959 and covers an area of over 700 hectares. It is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, and it showcases the traditional way of life, architecture, and folk culture of the Kaszuby people. The park is a collection of over 90 preserved buildings, including houses, farms, barns, and windmills, which have been relocated here from the surrounding villages and restored to their original form. These buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century, provide a glimpse into the life of the Kaszuby people, who have lived in this region for over a thousand years.

Kashubian houses

One of the highlights of the Wdzydze Landscape Park is the traditional Kaszuby house, which is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. These houses are made of wood and are characterized by their steep roofs, decorated with intricate wooden shingles, and large chimneys. The interiors of these houses are equally impressive, with beautiful wooden furniture, colorful textiles, and traditional tools and utensils on display. Visitors can get a sense of what life was like in the Kaszuby region over a hundred years ago, and how people lived, worked, and socialized in this rural community.

Another attraction of the park is the windmill, which is a symbol of the Kaszuby region. These windmills, which were used for milling grain, were once an integral part of life in the countryside, and today, several of them have been restored and are open for visitors to explore. The interiors of these windmills are fascinating, and visitors can see how the machinery worked and get an appreciation for the ingenuity of the people who built and operated them.

In addition to the houses and windmills, the Wdzydze Landscape Park also features beautiful gardens and parks, as well as a lake, which provides a scenic backdrop for the exhibits. Visitors can enjoy a picnic or take a relaxing stroll along the lake, and admire the beauty of this unique and culturally rich region.

Wdzydze – TOP List

Traditional Kashubian Houses: Experience the authentic architecture of Kashubian homes, including various styles and sizes representative of different periods.
Farmsteads: Explore the traditional farmsteads, including barns, granaries, and livestock shelters, which provide insights into the agricultural lifestyle of the Kashubian people.
Churches: Visit the wooden churches within the park, showcasing the religious significance and architectural beauty of Kashubian ecclesiastical heritage.
Windmills: Marvel at the iconic Kashubian windmills, which played a crucial role in the region’s agricultural activities and offer picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Workshops: Discover workshops dedicated to traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and woodworking, where you can witness skilled artisans at work and even try your hand at these crafts.
Schoolhouse: Step into a historic schoolhouse that provides insight into the educational system and teaching methods employed in the Kashubian communities of the past.
Village Store: Explore a reconstructed village store that offers a glimpse into the daily life and shopping experience of the Kashubian people.
Sawmill: Learn about the timber industry and observe the functioning of a traditional Kashubian sawmill, highlighting the importance of woodworking in the region’s economy.
Shepherd’s Hut: Discover a shepherd’s hut, showcasing the role of shepherding and sheep farming in Kashubian rural life.
Fisherman’s Hut: Visit a fisherman’s hut to understand the significance of fishing and the rich aquatic resources in the Kashubian region.

Wdzydze Founders

The Wdzydze Landscape Park would not have existed without the vision and hard work of Teodora and Izydor Gulgowski. Teodora and Izydor were passionate about preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Kaszuby region, and they dedicated their lives to this cause.

Teodora was born in the Kaszuby region in 1886, and she was raised in a traditional Kaszubian household. From a young age, she was fascinated by the rich history and culture of her people, and she began collecting traditional artifacts and memorabilia from around the region. Over time, her collection grew, and she became known as a knowledgeable expert on the culture and traditions of the Kaszuby people.

Izydor was born in 1895 and was a self-taught historian and folklorist. He too was passionate about preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Kaszuby region, and he worked tirelessly to document and collect information about the people, their customs, and their way of life.

In the mid-1930s, Teodora and Izydor decided to combine their efforts and establish an open-air museum to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kaszuby region. They worked tirelessly to gather traditional buildings, artifacts, and memorabilia from around the region, and to relocate them to the museum site. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, they persevered, and in 1959, the Wdzydze Landscape Park was officially established.

Teodora and Izydor’s vision and hard work have had a lasting impact on the Kaszuby region, and the Wdzydze Landscape Park continues to be a testament to their dedication and passion for preserving the cultural heritage of their people. Today, the park is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in learning about the history and traditions of the Kaszuby region.

In recognition of their contributions to the preservation of Kaszubian culture, Teodora and Izydor have been honored with numerous awards and accolades, and their names will forever be remembered as the founders of the Wdzydze Landscape Park, the treasure trove of Kaszubian culture.

In conclusion, the Wdzydze Landscape Park is a true treasure trove of Kaszubian culture, and it is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in the history and traditions of this fascinating region. Whether you are a historian, a culture buff, or simply someone who loves exploring new and interesting places, the Wdzydze Landscape Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.