Bench with Music of the Podhale Highlanders

On the upper part of Równia Krupowa, next to the Zakopane City Hall, you can find a bench featuring traditional highlander music in a contemporary performance by the Giewont ensemble.

The Parish Regional Ensemble “Giewont” was founded in 1981 by the then parish priest of the Olcza parish dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Father Jan Kowalik. It was the first “parish” regional ensemble in Podhale during the communist era. With its singing and music, it enriched Holy Mass liturgies and supported the construction of the church in Olcza.

The ensemble developed several artistic programs in its repertoire, which it performed during numerous domestic and international tours. An important event in the ensemble's history was a performance at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II.

The group has performed both in Poland and abroad and has released several albums focusing on regional and Christmas themes. In 2000, 2015, 2016, and 2018, the ensemble hosted the International Festival of Highland Folklore in Zakopane. It is the winner of numerous competitions and reviews, receiving awards for highlander dance and singing.

In 2016, the ensemble won a bronze juhas axe at the Highland Carnival in Bukowina Tatrzańska, and in 2017, it received a silver axe award in the category of authentic ensembles at the 49th International Festival of Highland Folklore in Zakopane.

Alongside “Giewont,” there is also “Little Giewont,” consisting of around 50 children who sing and dance. Since 2014, the ensemble has cooperated with the Zakopane City Hall, representing the city both nationally and internationally.

The main mission of the ensemble is to promote and preserve the traditions and culture of the Rocky Podhale region.