A few words about the Carp Valley
The Carp Valley covers the area of a historical carp husbandry center, famous since the Middle Ages. Fishing ponds are spread on hundreds of hectares in the valleys of Vistula, Skawa and Wieprzówka. The biggest of the fishing ponds is Pilava situated in Przeręb complex.
The project was set up by three communities: Zator, Pzeciszów and Spytkowice. Three other, namely Brzeżnica, Polanka and Osiek joined the project in order to work up a common program of development. These six communities from the south of the Vistula Valley and from Karpackie Uphills decided to promote this beautiful piece of land together. "The Carp Valley" is the program containing several inter-related activities aimed at working up a coherent tourist offer based on available natural recourses.
The Carp Valley concept is based on a several centuries-old traditions of carp breeding. The breeding technique has not changed until now, which results in the unique taste of the fish meat. The Zator Carp, better known as the Royal Carp, is widely sought and valued by fish lovers from all over Poland. The fish has been included on the List of Małopolska Food Delicacies. Smoked carp or carp baked with cream taste the best.
Royal carp from Zator is an absolute phenomenon and record holder. Its breeding history dates back to the times of the Bolesław Krzywousty. In the middle of the 15th century after Zator Principatory joined Poland, Polish kings took it under their special care. The carp was the most valued fish bred in the ponds of Zator. Polish kings appreciated its taste and made it a frequent dish on royal menu. That is why the carp from Zator is often called "the royal carp" The carp is bred on fish farms, the largest of which are: Przeręb, Spytkowice, Bugaj, Rudze i Laskowa.
Zator community's inhabitants respect their region's history. In the last week of June they celebrate the Carp Festival. Cap dishes are prepared for the families, friends and guests on that day. What is more, the Carp Valley has become a beloved place of anglers and a great holiday destination.
Fish-farming ponds are a habitat for a lot of rare and endangered bird and plant species. You can meet there such birds as: black-crowned night-heron, little bittern, black-necked grebe, purple heron, ferruginous duck, red-crested pochard, black-tailed godwit, redshank, whiskered tern, black tern, little crake, and thrushes blue throat there. The area of Lower Skawa and Upper Vistula has been proposed to become the sites of Natura 2000 network. There are lots of bike trails and sightseeing attractions there.
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