Mecina: Wooden Church and Views of Beskid Wyspowy

Mecina lies along the middle course of the Smolnik stream, at the foot of the Łososińskie Range and on the county road between Limanowa and Chełmiec. The town’s history, landscape and culture offer different points of focus as you plan your trip.

A Church with a Long History

The Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Mecina was built in 1685 on the site of a 14th-century church destroyed by the Arians. Another date is associated with its furnishings: the church tower houses a historic bell dating from 1711. The church is also one of 56 wooden religious buildings on the Wooden Architecture Route.

Three dates help put its history in context: the 14th century refers to the earlier church, 1685 to the construction of the present church, and 1711 to the historic bell. The history of the church site is thus linked to a specific feature of the building and its place on the Wooden Architecture Route.

Smolnik, Jaworz and the Hiking Route

Its location by the Smolnik and at the foot of the Łososińskie Range gives Mecina a clear setting in the landscape. Another landmark is Mount Jaworz: below its summit, Mecina has a 20-metre-high observation tower overlooking the Beskid Wyspowy landscape. The mountain views are therefore a distinct attraction alongside the town’s location by the stream.

The Męcina–Jaworz route also offers a way to explore the landscape. It starts at Męcina railway station and follows a yellow hiking trail in the direction of Babia Góra. The observation tower and the route highlight different things: the tower offers views of Beskid Wyspowy, while the route has a specified starting point and direction. Check the current trail route before setting out.

Music, Folk Costumes and Handicrafts

The Mali Męcinianie ensemble performs dances, music and songs of Lachy Limanowskie and Lachy Sądeckie in the traditional costumes of these regions. Its repertoire brings together musical and dance traditions with the corresponding costumes. The ensemble also takes part in cultural competitions and showcases in Poland and abroad.

Handicrafts are also part of local cultural activities: the Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich Męcina holds handicraft workshops at the Konstytucji 3 Maja Primary School in Mecina. Music, traditional clothing and handicrafts thus offer different perspectives on regional cultural traditions, rather than reducing them to a single form of expression.

Regional Dishes and Sweets

The Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich Męcina presents local dishes and sweet specialties at numerous regional showcases and markets. The group is particularly appreciated by tourists and people interested in Lachy culture.

When choosing Mecina as a destination, you can therefore weigh up different interests: the church offers a historical focus, the tower and hiking route provide different ways to experience the landscape, and music, handicrafts and regional food offer a glimpse of local cultural life.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Porąbka, Mszana Dolna, Mszana Górna, Kamionka Mała, Kobyłczyna, Makowica, Limanowa, Lubomierz.

For the broader travel overview: Limanowa.