Osturna Reserve of Folk Architecture

The harsh living conditions affected the local architecture. Houses in the village formed the so-called chain buildings, stretching along the Osturniański stream.   The farms adjacent to the road had a long, narrow plot of land (Zarubok) behind them, stretching from the middle of the valley to the tops of the hills, which creates a characteristic "striped crop" of crops. Initially, these plots were 110-130 m wide, but as a result of the division of the land in successive generations, they became narrower and narrower. For the same reason, the buildings grew denser and today, in place of the chain one, we have typical street buildings.

Timbered houses   were built on a stone foundation, which was used to level the terrain, they are exceptionally charming. Sloping roofs covered with hand-split shingles   they withstood the snow pressure perfectly. Walls made of massive beams ensured stability and durability. The gaps between the beams were sealed and painted, mostly blue. Apart from the aesthetic value, it also served as insulation. The most characteristic, however, are the shutters decorated with ornaments . Outside the house, the farm usually consisted of a stable, a barn and other buildings. Currently, 157 wooden houses constitute a historic reserve of folk architecture.   Here, visitors can see an authentic living open-air museum that was created and kept alive by the worn-out hands of the locals.

In a renovated school building   there is an exhibition of the Osturna chamber . You can learn from it about the hardships of life of the inhabitants. The interior is decorated with traditional furniture , items that could not be missing in any home, and appliances that are in common use. As one of the most important events in the life of the community in hard-to-reach areas was a wedding , the exhibition also touches on this topic. Those interested can buy an original embroidery as a souvenir, a doll or take home a mixture of aromatic herbs.