The history of Pruchnik dates back to the 14th century, when the region of Red Ruthenia was annexed into the Kingdom of Poland (1340).

Due to its location, away from main roads and railway lines, Pruchnik is regarded as one of the most picturesque towns of former Galicia, with a number of unique wooden houses, most of which built in the second half of the 19th century.

The town also has a medieval St. Nicolas church, which was remodelled in the late 17th century, and ruins of the castle, located some 4 kilometers away, along the road to Jarosław.

History of the town is tied with the Pruchnicki family (Korczak coat of arms), which founded a local Roman Catholic parish some time in the second half of the 14th century.

Complete destruction took place in 1657, when Pruchnik was burned to the ground by Transylvanian army of George II Rakoczi (see Swedish invasion of Poland).