A Tree Shelter In WWII
Oak Józef has a long history that may surprise you. A 650-year-old English Oak tree known as a shelter for a Jewish family hiding inside its trunk during WWII
A tree with history
A 650 years old oak is standing in a park in Wiśniowa on south-eastern part of Poland, close to borders with Slovakia and Ukraine. It is likely the oak trees was already growing here at the time of the first permanent settlements in the Wisłok Valley in the 2nd half of the 14th century.
The story of the tree is linked to the history of the place. During the expansion of the Polish kingdom under Casimir III, Wiśniowa was founded in 1366. It was the property of several noble families and in 1864 it was acquired by the Mycielski family as their seat.
Subsequent generations settled here. At the turn of the 19th century the park was landscaped in English style, including trees from the nearby forest. At the turn of the 20th century the castle was the centre of cultural and intellectual life in the region.
Oak Józef (2017) by Rafał GodekEuropean Tree of the Year
Art and trees
Several painters were invited by the owners of the castle to paint in the park. Among them was Józef Mehoffer, after whom the centuries-old oak tree was named.
A sketch of the oak created by Józef Mehoffer was later depicted on the back of the 100 zloty banknote during the Second Polish Republic. These banknotes were issued in 1932 and 1934 and the oak tree on them symbolizes longevity and durability.
Oak Józef (2017) by Rafał GodekEuropean Tree of the Year
According to locals, the hollow trunk of the oak tree became a hiding place for a Jewish family who escaped from a nearby labour camp during World War II. Depending on the storyteller, the family hid for several days or months and was thus rescued.
The hollow trunk of Oak Jozef consists of two floors. Each floor has an opening created by cutting off a branch, with the upper floor serving as a lookout and the lower part as a shelter. Thanks to this incredible story, Oak Józef won the Tree of the Year of Poland in 2016 and defended its victory in the European Tree of the Year a year later.
Tap to explore
Take a walk in the castle park in Wiśniowa, where Oak Józef grows.
The circumference of the oak is about 6.8 metres. The height of this giant has not yet been accurately measured, but there are estimates that it measures between 22 and 30 meters.
Oak Józef (2017) by Rafał GodekEuropean Tree of the Year
Oak Józef continues to pose for artists, photographers and is admired by numerous visitors.
Oak Józef
This oak tree with a remarkable story has received 17 597 votes and thus became a 2017 European Tree of the Year.
Will you support the trees and help us to continue our important work?
GPS: N 49 51.600, E 21 38.400
The tree was nominated and supported in the European Tree of the Year 2017 by Klub Gaja.
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