"Bieszczady Valleys" Bieszczady by lemkouk

Orthodox Cross

These three sub-groups of Ukrainians inhabited these low mountains for centuries. Before WWI, this was the province of Galicia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Because of exploding populations and unsuitable splitting of heriditary lands, many found themselves facing abject povery or emmigration. Those who emmigrated to Canada founded farms in the expanding prarie provinces of Canda, were miners in the Alberta coal deposits, or found manufacturing jobs in large centres all across the country. In their prosparity, many sent money home to Bieszczady. After WWII what remained of the Ukrainians in Poland went through a horrible re-settlement under the communists. Many were simply shot. Today, what remains of these rural communities are the churches which are being restored after decades of neglect or having been used for profane uses. Exploring the villages and their churches is a delight.

• Pros:Delightful old-world communities.
• Cons:You need a good map to find your way.
• In a nutshell:Bieszczady has hidden gems in every valley.