Koprzywnica: Reservoir, Bziuki and Church Architecture

Koprzywnica offers several points of interest for planning a stay: a seasonal bathing area, the Easter tradition of Bziuki, and distinctive church architecture. The town is also on the European Cistercian Route; a 52.5-kilometre loop passes through Koprzywnica.

Reservoir and bathing area

The reservoir consists of the main basin, “DANUSIA,” and the “HANIA” basin. Together, the two cover 17 hectares. This figure refers to both basins combined.

Each year, the Koprzywnica Town and Municipality Office sets up a supervised bathing area at the reservoir for two months. It employs two WOPR lifeguards there. The bathing area is therefore a seasonal part of what the reservoir offers, while the description of the two basins refers to the permanent layout.

Bziuki and the Easter tradition

Bziuki, the Easter fire-blowing tradition in Koprzywnica, was added to Poland’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. The tradition of Bziukania has been associated with the parish church of Matki Boskiej Różańcowej for over 100 years. The fire-blowing takes place as part of the Resurrection celebration on Holy Saturday.

The 2021 listing and the church’s association with the tradition for over a hundred years are two distinct points of reference in time: the year indicates when it was listed, while the longer period indicates the tradition’s duration. Holy Saturday is the specific date associated with Bziukania.

Churches and monastery

The church of Matki Boskiej Różańcowej stands on Koprzywnica’s market square. The square forms part of the town plan dating from the 13th century, placing the church within the town’s historic layout.

Another distinctive building is the church of św. Floriana. Its prominent Baroque tower resembles an upside-down, bottomless chalice and is known as “kulawka.” The church also has a fully preserved Romanesque stepped portal with a smooth tympanum. It is also home to the Niedrzwicki sarcophagus, created by Santi Gucci in 1581.

The spacious chapter house is in the east wing of the Koprzywnica monastery. Its stone floor and stone cross vault, supported by two columns, are further specific architectural details. The range of features thus extends from the prominent profile of the tower to the Romanesque portal and the construction of the vault.

Routes around Koprzywnica

The 52.5-kilometre Klimontów–Sulisławice–Koprzywnica loop passes through Byszów, Jachimowice, Sośniczany, Błonie, Koprzywnica, Sulisławice, Bukowa, Wiązownica Kolonia, Smerdyna, Jurkowice, Nawodzice and Szymanowice Dolne before returning to Klimontów. Koprzywnica is at kilometre 18.5 on this loop. Check current local route conditions when planning your trip.

The bathing area and Bziukania offer different clues for choosing when to travel: the supervised bathing area is set up for two months each year, while the fire-blowing is associated with Holy Saturday. If the bathing area is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific dates for the current season with local sources in advance.

Discover more destinations: Klimontów, Czyżów Szlachecki, Pielaszów, Dwikozy, Konary, Sandomierz, Samborzec, Wielogóra.

For the broader travel overview: Sandomierz County.