Understand

In the early Middle Ages, the region of Podlaskie in Poland was a hotly contested territory. It witnessed constant disputes between the Kingdom of Poland, Ruthuania, and various Baltic tribes. The situation changed dramatically in 1385 when the Kingdom of Poland merged with the Duchy of Lithuania, making Podlaskie the heart of the Jagiellonian state. This transformation brought major trade routes from Vistula towns to the thriving city of Vilnius, crossing through the region. During the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Podlaskie flourished, with the construction of stunning Baroque palaces, churches, and synagogues. These grand architectural gems adorn the landscape to this day. Additionally, Podlaskie became a melting pot of cultures, attracting Roman and Greek Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Jews, and even Moslem Tatars who settled here in the 17th century. Podlaskie's history took a tumultuous turn with the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century. Prussia and Russia annexed most of the territory, while a small portion gained independence as part of the Duchy of Warsaw. Following the Congress of Vienna, Podlaskie found itself under the rule of the Russian Tsar or directly under the Russian Empire. The region regained its freedom after World War I, becoming a part of the Second Polish Republic. However, this newfound independence was short-lived as Podlaskie fell under Nazi-Germany and Soviet Union occupation from 1939 to 1944. After the war, Podlaskie once again became an integral part of Poland. Located in the eastern part of the country, Podlaskie used to hold a central position during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, sandwiched between the two capitals of Kraków and Vilnius, both rich in history and culture.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pierogi: These are traditional Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients, often including potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat. They can be boiled, fried, or baked and are typically served with sour cream or butter.

Kielbasa: This smoked sausage is made from pork meat and comes in various types, such as fresh (biały) or smoked (czerwony), depending on the level of smokiness. It's commonly eaten grilled, pan-fried, or even boiled and served alongside mashed potatoes, cabbage, or other vegetables.

Szczawiak: A traditional Polish fruit compote made from sour cherries, plums, or other similar fruits, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. The fruit mixture is cooked until it becomes a thick, jammy consistency, and is then stored in jars for later consumption.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing