Kazimierz Dolny is a quaint, picturesque historic town, located less than 40km east of Lublin on the Vistula River. The town enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the 16th and the first half of the 17th century, due to river-bound grain trading along the Vistula. Following the partition of Poland and the subsequent decline of the region's grain industry, the local architecture hardly developed beyond the late 18th century. It's been a popular domestic holiday destination since the 19th century, attracting artists and summer residents. Many painters retreat to this small town to paint and sell their work. Galleries can be found on almost every street, offering sculptures, stained-glass, folk art, and fine art for sale.
View of Kazimierz Dolny from the eastern hillside.
While the town's market square sits at ground level, along with most of the centre, some of Kazimierz Dolny's most noted landmarks rest on the eastern hillsides overlooking the Vistula. These include the Romanesque castle ruins, dated from the 11th century, and the nearby Church of the Annunciation. Further up, the Hill of Three Crosses offers the best views of the surrounding area (and some extra religious rapture, if that's your kind of thing!) Other popular spots include the well in the market square and one of the oldest synagogues that still remain in the area.
The historic well in the market place of Kazimierz Dolny.
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