The Podlasie region in Eastern Poland no longer needs advertising. Once forgotten, it is now visited by an increasing number of tourists and has more and more to offer. However, there are still many unexplored places located far from the eyes of a curious visitor. One of such places is the village of Plutycze. A visit to this village is like a journey in time and space, mainly thanks to its residents and architecture. Most of the houses are beautiful, colourful wooden huts built in a uniform, traditional style. Almost all are set peaks to the road, close to each other, which gives a sense of order and harmony. The architectural layout of the village dates back to the 16th century. Plutycze was once famous for its carpentry. There were many carpenters who were famous in the area for their craftsmanship. A few of them are still alive, though, like most of the villagers, they are already very advanced in age. Still, they are happy to talk about our village and what it used to be like when Plutycze was teeming with life.
Many huts in Plutycze are decorated with shutters and carved ornaments placed above the windows, at the tops of houses and at their corners. The custom of decorating houses comes from Russia, where the inhabitants of Podlasie were forcibly evacuated during World War I. Most of the houses are still heated with tiled stoves. It is not known how the stylish architecture of Plutycze was preserved to such an extent, but the fact is that it has somehow survived and resisted the time. It is a living example of the possibility of harmonious incorporation of human activities into the surrounding nature.
In addition to the architecture and beautiful nature of the Upper Narew Valley, Plutycze is also worth visiting for other reasons, i.e. its perfect location and atmosphere. The village lies in the middle of Podlasie. Within an hour or two, you can get to all the most interesting places in the region – Białowieża, the Knyszyn Forest, the Narew and Biebrza National Parks, Tykocin, Supraśl, the Kruszyniany mosque, Orthodox monasteries in Grabarka, Drohiczyn, Ciechanowiec and Białystok. It is also an excellent base for cycling, canoeing and mushroom picking. There are many attractions for children in the area: the rope park in Doktorce, Herbal Corner in Koryciny and several bathing areas, to name just a few.
Apart from fairy-tale houses, another thing characteristic of Plutycze is a bench. It is not only a simple piece of furniture, but above alla meeting place. In the evenings, older residents sit on the benches, chatting and discussing everyday matters. Newcomers are always welcome in the village and treated with kindness, so there is always a place for them on the bench as well. The wonderful effects of free “bench therapy” have cured many depressions, although for unknown reasons, this phenomenon has not yet been investigated by American scientists 🙂 Maybe because no one has ever driven them to Plutycze? Don’t repeat their mistake, come to Plutycze, at least for a moment to sit on a bench, listen to the clatter of storks and forget about the whole world.
