Muzeum Pienińskie im. J. Szalaya

The Józef Szalay Pieniny Museum is located in the building of the former border guard in Szlachtowa near Szczawnica. The exposition guides visitors along the trail of the Pieniny Region's past. We meet those who lived here for centuries, before the health resort in Szczawnica was established. We learn what the Dunajec river and the mountain pastures meant to them. We will hear why they had to leave their homes and lands. We start our walk by the Dunajec Gallery - the river that connects the Pieniny villages: Czorsztyn, Sromowce, Szczawnica and Krościenko, becoming part of their history. The natural heritage of the Pieniny region is intertwined with its cultural heritage. We enter the Pieniny microcosmos - a borderland of cultures, religions and nationalities. We enter the 13th century, the times when castles were erected in the Pieniny and St Kinga founded settlements; we continue our journey in time, looking into temples of various denominations and local houses. We get to know the inhabitants of Pieniny villages who were united by a common shepherding economy, similar buildings and folk costumes. We learn about their characteristic occupations - rafting in the case of the Highlanders and knitting in the case of the Ruthenians. The route continues through the spa in Szczawnica and leads us to modern times. You can learn about the therapeutic methods used in the 19th-century spa, discover the charm of the old Szczawnica open air and interiors. You will meet the spa guests, many of whom came from the aristocratic, scientific, literary and artistic elite, which was extremely important for the development of culture in this region. We end our walk on the banks of the Dunajec River, on the old Pienińska Road - a favourite place for walks of Szczawnica's guests.

J. Szalay Museum of Pieniny