The Podhale , which means under the mountain meadows, is
located in the foothills of the Tatra range of the Carpathian Mountains.
The region is characterized by a rich tradition of folklore and
inhabited by humorous, religious and welcoming highlanders.
For last two hundred years Tatra Mountains and Podhale
played an important role in polish culture.
Local culture and nature inspired many artists...composers,
painters, poets. Town of Zakopane become main center for polish artistic,
political and scientific life.
Podhale is especially photogenic because of its rich folk
traditions, original architecture and beautiful mountain views.
According to the old tradition seasonal collective
shepherding was base of economy. Even now, when shepherding does not bring
profit the old system is used.
Typically the herds come back at the beginning of September
and the festival is held. Dairy products; oscypek and zentyca are tested, there
are fun competitions, music and dance.
It was from buildings such as these in Chocholow that Stanislaw Witkiewicz took his inspiration for the 'Zakopane Style'. The first building ever erected in the Zakopane style was the Villa "Koliba." Built between 1892 and 1894, it stands to this day and is open as a museum of the style.