Excursions from Warsaw Sights

Performing Arts

1. Janów Podlaski

The stud farm in Janów Podlaski was established in 1817, and—wartime and other tribulations notwithstanding—its continuity has been kept until the 21st century. It is home to purebred Arabian horses with documented pedigree going back 10 generations, but there are also Anglo-Arabian horses, about 500 animals altogether. The stud farm is picturesquely located at the outskirts of Janów Podlaski, in a hamlet called Wygoda—among woods and lush meadows near the Bug River, which marks the border with Belarus. The spacious and beautiful stable buildings date back to the 19th century and were designed by Enrico Marconi, a Polish architect of Italian origin. The most famous buildings include the Clock Stable and the main Stud Stable, and they can both be visited. The stud farm organizes shows, sales, and auctions, as well as championships for sport Arabians. They can also arrange guided tours and horse-drawn carriage rides for visitors. It is best to call in advance, or ask in the souvenir shop (just behind the main gate, the white building to the left) on arrival. Groups (including small ones) can be accommodated most of the time; and individual tourists can join a guided tour at a fixed time, between May and September, on weekends, at 1 pm. If you can't make prior arrangements or make it on a given day, don't worry: it is OK just to show up and walk around the open area, but in that case, you cannot enter the stables or approach horses, for reasons of safety. You are also asked not to feed the animals or make noise, and you should follow the instructions of the staff.