Krasnogruda

Czesław Miłosz, a Nobel laureate and citizen of the world, has always been and will always be associated with Vilnius, where he spent his childhood and later studied. Few people connect the poet with Krasnogruda - a small village located on the Polish-Lithuanian border. It was here that two of Miłosz's aunts lived, running a summer residence in the family manor. Taking advantage of its close location, the Nobel laureate often visited there. He spent his holidays here during his high school and university years. He experienced his first serious romances but also created works. The last time he visited his family estate was in 1989.

However, he did not forget about Krasnogruda, and Krasnogruda did not forget about him. The manor, which was destroyed during wartime, along with the surrounding park, was restored through the efforts of the members of the "Pogranicze" foundation operating in nearby Sejny. In 2011, the International Centre for Dialogue was opened here. The complex comprises three buildings. The main one is the manor itself, featuring an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel laureate. The beautifully restored cellars deserve special attention, as does the unconventional, less “museum-like” way of presenting the poet's life. It is worth opting for a guided tour of the exhibition, which allows for the discovery of unknown facts about Miłosz's life.

Next to the manor is an outbuilding that houses the Pogranicze foundation, and a bit further are the “birdhouses” or former chicken coops, where various cultural events take place in the ceramic workshops and concert hall. The whole experience is complemented by an unusual "Avenue of Poets" and a more traditional horse chestnut alley leading to a pier. Krasnogruda is situated by Lake Hołny, which is as beautiful as the neighboring tourist destination of Gaładusi.

Krasnogruda is yet another interesting place and tourist attraction on the map of Suwałki Region. Although it is difficult to get here (the best route is via a gravel road, a side road on the Żegary-Ogrodniki route), it is worth visiting "Miłoszówka" while traveling to nearby Sejny or Suwałki.

Author of the photos and text - Bogusława Bandyk