The history of the painted village of Zalipie dates back to the late 19th century, when local housewives began covering the walls of their homes with colorful floral motifs. At first it was a simple way to hide soot stains that appeared on white walls and ceilings as a result of heating houses with stoves without chimneys. Over time, the simple painting of the stains evolved into a true folk art, which became the pride of the region and the entire country.

The first official trace of this unique tradition dates back to 1905, when an article about the custom of painting houses in Zalipie was published in the Cracow magazine 'Lud'. This moment is considered the official beginning of the documented history of Zalipie paintings. Interestingly, originally the paints used by the housewives were homemade - from powdered dyes mixed with milk, which gave them a distinctive appearance and durability.

The tradition of painting survived even the hard times of World War II. In the postwar period, residents continued the custom in an attempt to cover up the damage the war had done to their homes and communities. This creative act became a symbol of rebirth and hope, showing the extraordinary strength of spirit of Zalipie residents.

A turning point in the village's history came in 1948, when the annual 'Painted Cottage' contest was initiated. The event, still held today, is usually held after the Corpus Christi holiday and attracts both local artists and tourists from around the world. The contest not only keeps tradition alive, but also encourages creativity and community involvement, keeping Zalipie's folk art alive and evolving.

One of the most famous painters from Zalipie was Felicia Curylova (1904-1974), whose three-room cottage was transformed into a museum. Curyłowa not only honed her painting skills, but also actively promoted the local tradition, teaching younger generations and presenting Zalipie art at exhibitions throughout Poland and abroad. Her contribution to the preservation and development of this unique form of artistic expression is invaluable.

Over the years, the painting technique has evolved. At first, the designs were simple and limited mainly to ceilings and stoves. Over time, artists began to cover entire walls, furniture and even the exterior facades of buildings with paintings. The motifs also became more complex - from simple dots and dashes to rich floral compositions, which today are the hallmark of Zalipie.

It is interesting to note that while the tradition of painting houses in Zalipie was initially practical (hiding soot stains), over time it evolved into a form of artistic expression and local pride. Women began to compete among themselves, which one would create more beautiful and original designs, which contributed to the development of this unique form of folk art.

Today Zalipie is not only a living museum of folk art, but also a symbol of Polish creativity and commitment to tradition. The village, located just two hours from Krakow, has become a popular destination for those seeking an authentic cultural experience and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Felicia Curyłowa's farmhouse is undoubtedly the highlight of Zalipie's map. This three-room house, once owned by the village's most famous painter, has been transformed into a museum and is a branch of the Ethnographic Museum in Tarnow. The homestead impresses with its wealth of colorful paintings, which cover almost every inch of the surface - from the exterior walls, ceilings and interior walls, to the furniture and household items. Each element of the decoration was made with extreme precision and attention to detail, which testifies to Felicia Curylova's exceptional talent. In the homestead you can admire not only the residential building itself, but also the outbuildings, which were also decorated with characteristic floral motifs. The site offers a unique opportunity to understand what life was like on a traditional rural farm, while presenting top-class examples of local folk art.

Another important point on the tour of Zalipie is the House of the Painters. This place serves as the cultural center of the village, hosting workshops, exhibitions and other events related to the local painting tradition. The House of the Painters is not only an exhibition space, but also a place where you can meet contemporary artists continuing the tradition of painting and learn more about the techniques and history of this unique art form. The building itself is beautifully decorated with floral motifs, both inside and out. For those interested in learning more about the traditions of Zalipie, the Painters' House offers the opportunity to participate in a workshop to learn the basics of Zalipie-style painting. This is an experience that allows you not only to observe, but also to actively participate in this unique tradition.

The colorful house in Zalipie is another gem worth visiting. This private house, open to the public, impresses with its richness and variety of designs. Each piece of decoration is carefully thought out and crafted, creating a harmonious whole. The owners of the house are eager to share stories related to the tradition of painting and talk about the significance of particular motifs. Unlike more formal museums, a visit to the Colorful House gives you the opportunity to see how the tradition of painting is carried on in the daily lives of Zalipie residents. It is an authentic experience that allows you to better understand how folk art integrates into everyday life.

Zalipie Village'Local Master's House is a place where you can learn about the history and techniques of painting from true masters. The house is owned by one of the village's most talented artists, who continues a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The interior of the house is richly decorated, showcasing a variety of painting styles and techniques specific to Zalipie. The owner is happy to talk about the creative process, the materials used for painting and the inspiration drawn from nature. For those interested in the technical side of Zalipie art, a visit here is extremely valuable, as it provides an opportunity to see how these unique decorations are made.

Danuta's flowered homestead is an example of a traditional country farm that has been transformed into a living gallery of folk art. The homestead includes not only a residential house, but also outbuildings, all decorated with distinctive floral motifs. Danuta, the owner of the homestead, is one of the most active promoters of the Zalipie painting tradition. Her works are characterized by exceptional creativity and courage in experimenting with colors and forms, while maintaining respect for traditional motifs. A visit to this homestead provides an opportunity to see how tradition evolves and adapts to modern times, while remaining true to its roots.

When comparing these places, it is worth noting that each offers a slightly different experience. Felicia Curylowa's Homestead, as an official museum, presents the most historical aspect of Zalipie's painting tradition. The Painters' House focuses on education and promotion of folk art, offering workshops and exhibitions. The Colorful House and Danuta's Flowered Homestead provide an opportunity to see how the tradition is carried on in private homes, while the Local Master's House focuses on the technical side of the art of painting.

In terms of accessibility, all of these places are in close proximity to each other, making it easy to visit the entire village in one day. Price-wise, admission to the Felicia Curl Homestead as an official museum is average, while visiting the other sites is cheaper or requires only a nominal fee. It is worth noting that some of the sites may have limited availability outside the tourist season, so the best time to visit Zalipie is in late spring and summer, especially the period around the 'Painted Cottage' competition.

The tradition of house painting in Zalipie, although dating back to the late 19th century, remains alive and thriving in modern times. What was originally a practical solution to the problem of soot on the walls has evolved into a unique form of artistic expression that defines the identity of an entire community. Today's Zalipie painters, continuing the work of their predecessors, combine traditional motifs with new techniques and materials, creating art that is both rooted in the past and responsive to the challenges of today.

The 'Painted Cottage' competition, held annually after the feast of Corpus Christi, is the most important event in the village's cultural calendar. Launched in 1948, the contest not only promotes local traditions, but also encourages innovation and creativity. During the competition, the jury evaluates both fidelity to traditional motifs, as well as originality and technical excellence in execution. The event attracts not only local residents, but also tourists from all over Poland and abroad, who can admire the newly renovated and decorated houses. The 'Painted Cottage' competition has become a catalyst for the development of tourism in the region, contributing to the economic growth of the village and surrounding areas.

Contemporary Zalipie painters, while continuing the tradition of their predecessors, are also innovating. While traditional floral motifs remain dominant, today's artists are experimenting with color, composition and scale. Some of them incorporate elements inspired by modern art into their works, creating a fascinating fusion of tradition and modernity. Moreover, today's female painters are no longer limited to decorating homes - they also create paintings, ceramics, textiles and other utilitarian objects decorated with distinctive floral motifs.

The art of painting in the Zalipian style has also found applications outside the village itself. Floral motifs inspired by the Zalipie tradition can be found on products available all over Poland - from ceramics to textiles to food packaging. This commercialization, while evoking mixed feelings among traditionalists, contributes to the popularization and preservation of this unique form of folk art. As a result, a wider audience can appreciate the beauty and originality of Zalipian designs.

Education plays a key role in preserving the Zalipie painting tradition. Workshops are regularly held at the Painters' House, where both children and adults can learn the basics of Zalipian-style painting. These educational initiatives are aimed not only at imparting technical skills, but also at instilling in participants a respect and love for local tradition. In this way, younger generations of residents of Zalipie and the surrounding area can actively participate in the continuation and development of this unique form of folk art.

It is worth noting that the tradition of painting in Zalipie, although initially the domain of women, now involves the entire community. Men, children and even seniors actively participate in decorating homes and other buildings. This inclusiveness contributes to strengthening social ties and a sense of common identity among the villagers. Painting has become not only a form of artistic expression, but also a way to integrate the community and celebrate local cultural heritage.

Contemporary Zalipie faces the challenge of balancing tradition with tourism development. On the one hand, the growing number of visitors contributes to the economic growth of the village and the promotion of local culture. On the other hand, there is a risk of commercialization and loss of authenticity. Residents and local authorities are trying to find a balance that will preserve the village's unique character while allowing it to grow economically. Initiatives such as agrotourism, workshops for tourists and the sale of local handicrafts are examples of sustainable approaches to tourism development.

The future of Zalipie's painting tradition seems to be secured thanks to the involvement of the local community, the support of cultural institutions and growing interest from tourists. However, like any living tradition, it will evolve and adapt to changing social, economic and cultural conditions. It will be crucial to maintain a balance between fidelity to traditional forms and openness to innovation and new interpretations.

When visiting Zalipie, it is worth remembering that it is not an open-air museum or museum, but a living, functioning village where the tradition of painting is an integral part of everyday life. This authenticity accounts for Zalipie's uniqueness and makes a visit to this remarkable village leave an unforgettable impression. Regardless of the season, Zalipie offers a unique cultural experience that allows for a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of Polish folk art.