"Kazimierz the Great received a Poland made of wood but gave it back built of stone" – as the saying goes. However, as it was the case in towns mostly, in most rural areas local carpenters continued to build of wood. This seemingly inferior material was cheaper, more available and enabled people to be self-reliant. As a result, wooden architecture still prevailed in the countryside where buildings were erected in perfect harmony with the landscape. The unmatched number of preserved objects in Małopolska led to the creation of The Wooden Architecture Route, which stretches for about 1500 km comprising over 200 churches, belfries, granaries, cottages and manor houses. The trip takes you to the most attractive places which are within a relatively short distance from Kraków and also gives you a chance to see the countryside off the main tourist routes.