Lublin's architectural treasures distinguished by a collection of stamps
The new "Beauty of Poland" stamp series is a real treat for tourism enthusiasts. This year's philatelic publication showcases the charming corners of the Lublin region, presenting unique attractions such as the Orthodox Church in Hrubieszów, a panoramic view of the Zamość market square, and Polish horses from Roztocze.
The Lublin Voivodeship stands out from other regions not only geographically, linguistically, and culturally, but also for its natural beauty. Picturesquely situated between the Vistula and Bug rivers, at the crossroads of eastern and western cultures, it attracts visitors with its beautiful national parks, UNESCO-listed monuments, and exceptional culinary delights.
The six stamps in this year's "Beauty of Poland" issue feature the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chełm, a panoramic view of the Zamość market square, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hrubieszów, Polish horses from Roztocze, the Church of the Holy Spirit in Kodeń, and the Synagogue in Szczebrzeszyn. The six stamps were accompanied by three First Day Covers featuring landscape views of the Roztocze National Park.
The history of the treasures of the Lublin region on the stamps of the "Beauty of Poland" issue
The Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was originally an Orthodox church, then a Uniate cathedral, and is now a Baroque Roman Catholic church. John Paul II granted the church the title of minor basilica.
The panorama of the Zamość market square presents a view of the Old Town, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 for its "special contribution as an architectural ensemble illustrating an important stage in the history of humanity."
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hrubieszów is the only thirteen-domed Orthodox church within Poland and one of only two in the world. The other is located in Finland.
The Polish Konik is the symbol of the Roztocze National Park, established in 1974. Its silhouette appears on the park's logo. This horse breed descends from the tarpan, an extinct wild forest horse that once inhabited areas in Europe.
The Church of the Holy Spirit in Kodeń is one of the remnants of the Sapieha Castle. This Gothic church with Renaissance elements dates back to the mid-16th century and was originally a castle chapel for the manor, later a Uniate Orthodox church, and finally a Catholic church. Currently, it is a branch church of the Roman Catholic parish of St. Anne in Kodeń.
The Szczebrzeszyn Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Poland. It is a valuable historical monument and a vibrant place of Jewish worship. It currently houses the Szczebrzeszyn Municipal and Community Cultural Center.
The wealth of the Lublin regions
The Lublin region is a region where Orthodox churches, synagogues, Catholic and Uniate churches, Tatar cemeteries, and Jewish cemeteries coexist. The Loess Gorges region, located in the western part of the Lublin Voivodeship, is one of the most attractive tourist regions in the country. The labyrinth of the Chełm Chalk Undergrounds reveals a unique remnant of chalk mining in Europe. The Polesie National Park and Roztocze National Park captivate visitors with their magical aura of unspoiled nature. The region's multiethnicity and multiculturalism, best visible in its sacred architecture and culinary delights, are evidence of centuries of friendly coexistence, which today is not only a tourist attraction for the Lublin region but also its greatest asset.
Premiere of the "Beauty of Poland" broadcast
In 2022, Poczta Polska launched its "Beauty of Poland" issue with natural and landscape stamps showcasing unique locations in Podlasie. Six philatelic stamps feature the Branicki Palace in Białystok, the mosque in Kruszyniany, the Orthodox monastery in Supraśl, the historic church in Tykocin, the bison reserve in Białowieża National Park, and the picturesque panorama of Drohiczyn – these are the pearls of Podlasie, captured in the photographs used in the latest series of stamps.
The initiator of the "Beauty of Poland" issue project is the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State Assets, Jacek Sasin.
About stamps:
Author of the stamp design: Paweł Myszka
Number of stamps: 6
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 540,000 pieces in total
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 51mm x 39.5 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Date of circulation: April 28, 2023