Known as the 'Pearl of the Low Beskids', the wooden church in Sękowa is one of Poland's most beautiful historic timber structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around 1520, it combines five centuries of history with extraordinary craftsmanship and a silhouette that seems to have grown naturally from the Beskid hills.

The church impresses from a distance — a steep shingle roof, wide sheltering arcades resting on wooden pillars, and a domed tower helmet create a composition that captivated painters for generations. Artists such as Stanisław Wyspiański and Józef Mehoffer made their way here to capture it on canvas. The surroundings shift beautifully with the seasons: lush green meadows frame the timber walls in summer, golden foliage creates a fairy-tale backdrop in autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter gives the whole scene an almost mystical quality.

• Sękowa is located along national road 28, between Gorlice and Krempna. A small car park is available next to the church. The site is accessible year-round.
• The church is part of the Małopolska Wooden Architecture Trail, making it easy to combine with visits to other historic wooden churches in the region.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
• Inside, look out for the late-Renaissance main altar from the 17th century, a late-Gothic chalice-shaped baptismal font from 1522, and three late-Gothic portals.
• The church is a subsidiary parish — check opening hours before your visit.

The church narrowly survived World War I — during the fierce Battle of Gorlice in 1914–1915, much of its timber was used for firewood and trenches, yet restoration began as early as 1918. In 1994, it received the prestigious Europa Nostra Medal for exemplary conservation work.