HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE REGION

Transcription

1 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE REGION

2 Kielce Editors: Yoostyna Sardey & MCA team Cooperation: Małgorzata Fornalczyk, Sylwia Skuta Translation: Jarosław Rybski Maps: Andrzej Krzyśków The Authors of Photo: J. Kruk (28), J. Krywult (14), B.I. Makowska (24), P. Niziołek (21), K. Pęczalski (covers and 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30), D. Ramiączek (27, 29, 30), M. Rawluk (3, 4, 6), J. Sierokosz (25), Thysiek (1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17), Ł. Zys (front cover and 2), K. Żołądek (26) Used materials: Marshal s Office of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship (covers and 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31), Kielce Aeroclub (18), The Museum of Minerals and Fossils in Św. Katarzyna (27), Office of Commune Authorities in Bieliny (28), Koziołek Matołek European Fairytale Centre in Pacanów (28), Kielce Trade Fairs (31) Graphics, layout: Andrzej Krzyśków, Paweł Niziołek Publisher: Media Consulting Agency Wroclaw 2009 We would like to thank the mentioned above institutions, organizations and the staff of Marshal s Office of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship helped. The Publisher Media Consulting Agency would like to thank you.

3 Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land Is it worth to spend ones holiday, or just a couple of days, or a weekend to visit Świętokrzyskie Region? For some it is a rhetorical question, but mostly people are confused they really do not know why go and what to do there. Actually we dedicate this publication to them. We promise not to annoy you with advertising nor persuade you with intricate history cultural disquisition. We would not quote slogans and catchphrases or any other constantly repeated tourism marketing mantras. They were not effective since not so long time ago for ourselves a trip to Świętokrzyskie was something cosmic visit Kielce Region whatever for? And that was a typical reaction for a proposition to get to know this 4 per cent fragment of Polish territory, not very populous, in the centre though somehow out-of-the-way region. The region unknown We have been getting to know Świętokrzyskie during long preparation period editorial meetings talks and trips. During that period we visited the region many times: in late spring, several times during summer, autumn and even during snowy winter staying there for totally over a month. We walked through paths and trails: alone and with guides, we talked to farmers, took pictures and substantiate traveled routes, we reach to its historical sources fascinated by the assets of this land. And we have not got to know Świętokrzyskie Region as well as it deserves. We still want to study and discover the region because it is impressive and enraptures with wild nature, history, exquisite art and architecture monuments, priceless historical, archeological, geological keepsakes, the oldest industrial tradition in the country and folklore. Impress and enrapture: Sandomierz, Wiślica, Jędrzejów, Wąchock, Opatów, Pińczów, Ujazd, Szydłów, Święty Krzyż and Święta Katarzyna, Chęciny, Bodzentyn, Koprzywnica, Busko-Zdrój, Końskie, Sielpia, Maleniec, Nagłowice, Oblęgorek, Bobrza, Nietulisko, Samsonów, Chmielnik. You have to admit there is quite long list as for such a small region. And it is only randomly chosen and not completed list of Świętokrzyskie gems. The locals prefer to call them pearls Dear readers there it is a string of Świętokrzyskie pearls. And although the text itself does not conveys the charm and magic of the described places thoroughly, it can be a peculiar catalyst for your contact with the Świętokrzyskie Region. With the region which is worth discovering by oneself, which would help to understand oneself better and thus to understand other people. After reading, on route give yourselves to marvelous Świętokrzyskie guides, people who know and who love this land, highly professional and exquisite storytellers. We would like to thank them for all the meetings on Świętokrzyskie routes over... coffee for those meetings and the knowledge. MCA Team 1

4 2Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land 2 Święty Krzyż (Holy Cross) Everybody knows, and the rumour has it that centuries ago there were some witches covens on Łysa Góra (Bald Mountain). Pagan idols Lada, Boda or Lelia, Świst, Poświst or Pogoda were worshiped here. The fact of pagan beliefs in this spot does not only live in oral tradition but also confirmed by remains of stone cult wall from about 7th Century encompassing the mountain top. During the reign of king Bolesław Chrobry within the stone wall on the top of Łysa Góra (Bald Mountain) there was erected a small church dedicated to The Holy Trinity. In the times of reign of Bolesław Krzywousty some buildings of Benedictine Monastery were erected then pillaged and destroyed several years later by Tartars. Rebuilt Monastery, where since first monks there were kept relics of the Holy Cross handed over by St. Emeryk, until the Swedish Deluge was an important point on pilgrim s route. Destroyed and again rebuilt by the end of the 17th Century the monastery complex burned down almost completely a century later. Erected again from the ashes in Late Baroque-Classical style regained its splendour despite the dissolution of Benedictine order in Today since 1936 the Holy Cross under protection of Oblate Missionaries still is an important place of religious cult attracting numerous faithful on the top of Łysiec (595 m.a.s.l). The pilgrims and tourists can reach here from Nowa Słupia by so called Royal Route, from Huta Szklana (asphalt road) or by red route from Trzcianka. To visit classical church from the 17th Century with fragment of ashlar wall of a nave from the 13th Century, Gothic gallery around garth and Oleśniccy chapel with remains of the Holy Cross inside. It is worth to see some artifacts in the Mission Museum of Oblate Missionaries of Immaculate Virgin Mary and visit The Exhibition of Świętokrzyskie National Park. The Sanctuary of Relics of the Holy Cross Święty Krzyż 1, Bieliny Nowa Słupia commune Phone Open: during week Sundays and holidays Raj (Paradise) Cave People use the expression of heaven on earth, but in Świętokrzyskie Region a paradise was discovered underground. In June 1972 after essential protective works and adaptation of the cave, Paradise Cave (180 meters of tourist route c.a. 45 minutes of a trip) was opened for tourists. It is truly fabulous, underground paradise, one of the most beautiful carsum caves with rich dripstone robes on ceiling, walls and bottom. It consists of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, folds and coatings, columns and dripstones bowls. There are attractive and spectacular rarities are pizoids called cave pearls or loose spherical dripstones. In cave drifts there were found presented on bycave exhibition flint tools of Neanderthals who lived here about years ago and also remains of prehistoric animals: mammoth, shaggy rhinoceros and cave bear. Raj (Paradise) Cave Chęciny Booking: Phone/Fax Open: 15 Jan 15 Nov Tue Sun

5 Pepper Mountains and Queen Jadwiga Ravine In the valley of Vistula River, on the border of Sandomierz and Dwikozy commune there are Pepper Mountains. They are built from 500-million-old outcrops. The name of this place comes from the colour of Cambrian mica. Sandomierskie Mountains create unique geological European reserve with natural clusters of wild roses and blue-fruit junipers. The beautiful view of Vistula Valley and bluff of the old town stretches from here. The second nature curiosity of Sandomierz is deep, sometimes down to 10 meters and 400 meters long hollowed by rains loessic Queen Jadwiga Ravine. On its cliffs there is steppe flora dwarf cherry among other plants. The ravine is named after Queen Jadwiga (born 1374) who being in Sandomierz used to stroll here. Sandomierz Sandomierz is definitely older than the Piast Polish state. In the Chronicle of Gall Anonymous it is included along with Cracow and Wrocław as one of the most important Lech tribe fortified town. This is a town of over 120 valuable and incredible historical architecture monuments from different periods being a proof of meaning it had in the history of Poland and Europe. The churches, museums and historical monuments attach Sandomierz a specific character and Vistula River view panorama is one of the most attractive in Poland. Sandomierz as a urban-architectural complex was signed up to the list of world historical monuments of highest importance. The most precious include: Medieval layout of the town with Renaissance Town Hall in the middle of the Market Square and one of the oldest brick building in Poland the church of St. Jacob, Kazimierz Castle presently an adobe of Regional Museum, Opatowska Gate the only existing gate within fortification and rampant complex and 14th Century Cathedral with precious Byzantine-Ruthenian frescos inside. One of the oldest secondary schools in the country in Late-Renaissance Collegium Gostomianum from 17th Century has been enrolling students for over 400 years, and Długosz House superbly preserved Gothic dwelling house contains rich collection of Diocesan Museum. Tourists can also visit mysterious Sandomierz dungeons The underground route is 470 meters long and down to 12 meters deep below the Market Square level. According to a legend Halina Krempianka, a daughter of local alderman sacrificed herself when she was leading invading Tartars through underground passages and died under collapsed heaps of soil. Tourist Information Centre PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers Society) Sandomierz Division Rynek 12, Sandomierz, Phone Phone/Fax Vistula River Cruise Vistula River Cruise will give every tourist unexpected thrill and views. During the cruise a tourist can admire enchanting view of Sandomierz set up on a high cliff. Two-hours Setting Sun Cruise will bring some unforgettable experiences with a stop in a scenic view point where bonfire or barbecue can be organized as an option. Besides, the whole-day cruise through middle watershed from Sandomierz to Baranów or Annopol provide direct contact with nature and river-bank landscape and guide tales about history of places of interest on route. Tourist Information Centre PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers Society) Sandomierz Division see above Vistula River Cruises Inland Navigation Tadeusz Prokop ul. Kochanowskiego 10, Sandomierz Phone , Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land 3

6 Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land 4 Krzemionki by Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski The underground mines in Krzemionki Opatowskie were discovered in 1922 by a geologist Jan Samsonowicz. In ancient mines people were digging out stripped flint then a basic raw material for production of tools. For couple of millennia it was the primary export good of this land and archeologists find arrowheads and spear tips, axes and knives made of this stone all over Europe. On the grounds of Neolithic mines there was established an archeological reserve with well-preserved mine landscape: mine slag heaps, mineshaft craters and perfectly well restored underground architecture. On a 500-meter tourist route a visitor can trace almost all techniques of excavation of stripped flint and see, unique in the world, chamber mines. Apart from mine complex there is a mineshaft reconstruction and a camp and miners settlement with huts of funnel-like cups and spherical amphoras communities with food storages, living quarters for craftsmen and first merchants. This ground is also a place for interesting historical lessons. The Museum and Archeological Reserve in Krzemionki Krzemionki by Ostrowiec Św., Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Phone/Fax Open: May Sep, Mon Fri , Sat Sun and holidays July and August Sat Sun April and October Mon Sat Sun and holidays Nov March Mon Sat Sun and holidays Krzyżtopór Castle Erected by Wawrzyniec Senes between Krzyżtopór Castle (cross as the symbol of faith Polish krzyż and axe coat of arms of Ossoliński family Polish topór) is one of the most magnificent aristocratic courts in Poland. A monumental object on regular pentagon layout founded by Sandomierz Voivod Krzysztof Ossoliński, consisted of palace complex, residential part and ramparts system. According to a legend it had four towers as many as seasons, 12 halls as many as months, 52 chambers as many as weeks and 365 windows as many as days in a year. Castle in Ujazd is a complex full of innovative architectural solutions for its times: Krzyżtopór had ventilation and heating system, there was an unique pipe water supply system and above one of the halls in one of the towers there was an aquarium with some exotic fish. Ossoliński, one of the richest aristocrats of Poland, spent 30 millions of red zlotys that is ten times more than Polish Parliament spent annually for war with Sweden at that time. Presently it is a ruin opened for tourists which comes to life during numerous tournaments and shows of knights clashes. Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd Phone Open: from 8.00 until dusk Wiślica Wiślica is one of the oldest tribal centres and in the Middle Ages one of the most important fortified settlement. It is dated to the 10th Century and legends add some centuries back. Wiślica is considered the centre of the first Wiślanie tribe state. Alas, nothing was preserved from those times apart form some archeological sites on old stronghold grounds. A Gothic Collegiate Church founded by King Kazimierz Wielki dedicated to the Birth of Holy Virgin Mary draws tourists attention. Remains of previous, Romanesque building, unique floor slab, so called Orante Slab from 1170 and baptismal font were discovered here. Within historical town layout there are certainly some monuments worth visiting the remains of 10th 12th century St Nicolas Church, Długosz House from 1460 founded by the famous chronicler as a residential quarters for curates of Wiślica Collegiate Church today Regional Museum with preserved Gothic belfry. Wiślica is also the town of first codification of Polish law by so called Wiślica Statutes from Regional Museum Długosz House Plac Solny 32, Wiślica Phone , Open: Wed Sun

7 Opatów Among forested range of Jeleniowskie Mountains, on Sandomierz Upland there is Opatów, one of the oldest Polish towns. It used to be a settlement and fortified town on the crossing of important trade routes and then a gaining of importance town. The most precious historical monument of Opatów is Romanesque three-nave basilica from 13th Century dedicated to St. Martin. It contains a bronze relief plaque depicting, so called, Opatów Lament. In Collegiate Church there is interesting Renaissance picture of The Mother of God with Jesus and St. John and also polychromes, internal portals, stonework details and Baroque canon choir stalls. It is also worth to visit remains of Renaissance rampart system with Warsaw Gate, Monastery of Friars Minor of the Observance with one-nave Rococo church of Holy Virgin Assumption and town hall on the market square. Another Opatów attraction is underground tourist passage based on layout of former merchants cellars and excavation areas linked with stairs on various levels. This is a unique example of underground architecture of 50 arched vault chambers 14 meters under the level of market square. Tourist Information Centre Opatów Division PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers Society) Pl. Obrońców Pokoju 18, Opatów, Phone Chęciny On the top of the hill towering over Chęciny, a small castle of bishop Jan Muskat was erected in the 13th Century then rebuilt by King Kazimierz Wielki. In the next century it was given the final shape with separated proper castle with two cylindrical towers and auxiliary lower castle with four-sided tower. A deep well on its courtyard according to a legend was linked with underground passages with a monastery on Kielce Karczówka and yet undiscovered dungeons were filled with royal treasures collected by queen Bona. Today the royal castle in Chęciny is a picturesque ruin with an excellent view. The White Lady, a ghost who seemingly appears in the castle is a quite an attraction for those seeking for a thrill. It is a ghost of the greedy queen Bona returning for her treasures. There are many others historical monuments apart from Chęciny castle among other objects: an Early-Baroque Convent of Observant Nuns, church and monastery of Franciscans founded by King Kazimierz Wielki in 1368, parish church erected in the first half of 14th. Century and a Renaissance building of an old inn called Niemczówka. The vivid evidence of Jewish presence in Chęciny is a synagogue built in the mid 17th Century by present Długa Street 21 by former Rabbi house. Today it is Commune Culture Centre. Royal Castle Chęciny Phone (Paweł Górajski) Open: Palace Complex in Kurozwęki Fourteenth-century Castle in Kurozwęki is a former stronghold set on an artificial cliff on the Czarna River floodland. It was transformed in the following centuries in a palace residence. The central building of this Baroque- Classical residence is a castle building with richly decorated five-axis facade and galleried courtyard. It is worth to visit interiors of Kurozwęki palace with its cellars and stay for a night in stylish palace rooms of Hothouse and Outhouse. A unique attraction of the palace park complex in Kurozwęki is over eighty-pieces herd of American bisons which can be seen from a vehicle safari bizon. There is Arabs Stud nearby, a small zoo and interesting Maize Labyrinth. Active tourism lovers can ride a horse, bike and play paint-ball or try their skills on rope slide. On request there are also organized knight clashes shows, artillery displays and old dances performances. Boarding house Popielówka Palace Complex Ltd. ul. Zamkowa 3, Kurozwęki, Staszów Phone , , Fax Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land 5

8 Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land Jurapark in Bałtów Visit in Jurassic Park in Bałtów gives a tourist unique opportunity of seeing natural- size models of dinosaurs. On 3-hectare grounds in Bałtów by Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski there are over 40 models of dinosaurs. It is a time travel from Cambrian Era to present day. Natural-size constructions of several dinosaurs and other extinct animals are truly extraordinary. The biggest of them Seismosaurus is 47 meters long. A visit in JuraPark can be combined with other Bałtów attractions: watching 300 animals from the deck of an American schoolbus llamas, moufflons, camels, wild boars, sheep, antelopes or African ostriches in Bałtów Zoo. It can be a also horse riding and visiting of horseriding centre In the land of horses ; scenic route through Bałtów in a choo-choo; police dog training show. For the youngest tourist there is a playground where among other attractiuons they can dig out a skeleton of several-meters long Tyranosaur and geology-art workshops. Stay in Bałtów is even more attractive with rafting through Kamienna River and in winter time professionally prepared ski slope with 65-meters level difference, ski lifts and two ski routes of 340 and 570 meters long. Jurapark Bałtów Bałtów 8 a (12 kilometers North from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski), Phone or 21 The Przypkowskis Museum in Jędrzejów In two eighteen-century buildings on Jędrzejów Market Square since 1909 there is a museum based on private collection of Feliks Przypkowski. Thanks to somehow unusual passion of a physician from Jędrzejów who had been collecting various solar watches and gnomonic instruments and other devices for time measurement hourglasses, fire and mechanic clocks and also astronomical instruments since 1895 there is a third concerning quality and number of exhibits after Chicago Museum and Oxford such collection in the world. In the old prints section with about 600 volumes, one of the most valuable is 1566 Copernicus De revolutionimbus orbium coelestium, and some volumes autographed by Hewelius, Descartes and Huyghens. The museum exhibition presents also historical interiors of Przypkowski family with many works of art reconstructed doctor s study, 18th- century style residential quarters, kitchen and pantry. The Przypkowskis Museum Pl. Kościuszki 7/8, Jędrzejów Phone , Open: Tue Sun 16 April 15 Oct Oct 15 April Bartek Oak It is one of the three oldest Polish Baltic Oaks. In the thirties it was considered as the biggest and most precious natural feature of historical importance by special competition court decree in Popularly it is considered to be 1200 years old, though biologists estimate its age for 700 years. It still bears fruits and grows. The last measurement from 1993 established the tree is about 30 m tall, wide-spreading crown of 40 m, trunk perimeter of 985 centimeters. Just few meters away there is Bartek s son young oak planted in 1966 to commemorate the millennium of Polish state. 6

9 Karczówka Karczówka is a picturesque, covered with ancient pine forest hill located in the western part of Kielce. On the top of it there is a beautiful Post-Observantine Monastery from 17th century founded by bishop Marcin Szyszkowski as a votive offering for saving Kielce from cholera epidemic. St Karol Boromeusz relics were brought to Early Baroque church erected between Later on the temple was enlarged and Karczówka architectural complex gained monastery buildings for Observant Order. Today in the church especially the figure of St Barbara the patron of miners carved from one block of lead ore, excavated from a mine nearby Karczówka is worth seeing. We can also find here a painting depicting Swedes in Karczówka in 1655 and portrait of monastery founder Marcin Szyszkowski. By the entrance to monastery there is a chapel of Fatima Mother of God. From nearby beauty spot a visitor can admire panorama of the city and Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Monastery on Karczówka Kielce, skr. poczt. 17, Phone , National Museum The adobe of National Museum in Kielce is, since 1971, a Baroque palace, former residence of Cracow Bishops, one of the city symbols erected on Castle Hill between It is the best preserved architectural monument from Waza dynasty times in Poland. In the chambers upstairs there are preserved original interiors, beam structure ceilings, paintings and friezes painted on the walls. In 1816 Stanisław Staszic established here Mining Academy. The palace was once a staff headquarters of Józef Piłsudski Legions, recruitment office, printing house, post office, pass desk and editorial office of a local newspaper. There is a museum with some permanent exhibitions: antique interiors from 17th and 18th centuries, Old European and Eastern Weaponry, Sanctuary of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, Polish art and decorative art gallery (from the beginning of 17th century to the fifties of 20th century among other artists P. Michałowski, J. Kossak, J. Brandt, J. Chełmoński, J. Malczewski). Reconstructed Italian Castle Garden is in the back of the palace. National Museum Palace of Cracow Bishops Plac Zamkowy 1, Kielce Tickets phone: , Open: Tue , Wed Sun Cathedral The history of Kielce Cathedral starts in the second half of 12th.Century. In 1171 a Cracow Bishop Gedeon founded the temple built in Romanesque style. After numerous disasters and architectural changes and alterations carried from 13th to 19th centuries it gained the present, Early-Baroque look of three-nave basilica on a cross layout with crosswise wings ended with towers with side naves. We can see the effect of works carried intensively in particular between : main Baroque altar made by Cracow sculptors with the picture of Mary Assumed into Heaven painted by Szymon Czechowicz, side altars, pulpit or Bishops galleries. Visiting Kielce Cathedral one must pay attention on a Gothic triptych depicting coronation of Mother of God and figures of St Wojciech and Stanisław, polychromes from 1898 or lead ore low relief of Virgin Mary. In a side nave (the south one) there is painting of Kielce Mary The Merciful Mother of God famous from its graces. In September 1971 in the 800th Anniversary of the temple by decree of the Pope Paul VI it was declared a Basilica Minor and since that day tourist could visit the treasure and cathedral cellars. Mary Assumed into Heaven Cathedral Plac Marii Panny 3, Kielce Phone Cathedral Treasure open after prior telephone contact 7Kielce The Capital of the Region 7

10 8Kielce The Capital of the Region 8 Kielce Cultural Centre Kielce Cultural Centre is a stately cultural institution of Kielce and Świętokrzyskie Region, organizer of many cultural events of national range concerts, opera performances, musicals and plays. It is an adobe of Świętokrzyska Philharmonic, Authors Scene, Kielce Dance Theatre, Ballet Centre, painting and modern art gallery, classical guitar school and several other societies and cultural organizations. The heart of main building of Kielce Cultural Centre is 700-seats venue with one of the biggest stages in Poland of stage area of 520 square meters with two rotating stages and modern lightning and sound systems. There is also a smaller stage with 200-seats auditorium. The venue is used for theatre performances, small concerts and recitals, literary events and annual All-Poland Survey of Documentary Forms Nurt. Kielce Cultural Centre Plac Moniuszki 2 b, Kielce Phone Toy and Joy Museum Historical 19th-Century building of covered market is an adobe of Toy and Joy Museum. It is the biggest and the oldest toys museum in Poland. The most precious part of the exhibition is that containing historical toys with some dolls from the turn of XIX/XX centuries, 19th century lead soldiers, a German miniature sawing machine, glass slides projector, dolls rooms, furniture sets for dolls and Polish and foreign blocks. There are also folk toys and Barbie dolls, planes, cars and ships models, electric railway and puppets. The museum has also some permanent exhibitions such as: Merry Company, Afternoon Tea, Plush Toys Exhibitions, In the Granny s Attic, Electric Railway, Motoring World, Lego Block Exhibition, Świętokrzyskie Market Stall, My Theatre, etc. Toy and Joy Museum pl. Wolności 2, Kielce Phone , Phone/Fax Open: Tue Sun Georaj (Geoparadise) Kielce is known as a place of unique geological features with four geological reserves. The most well-known is Kadzielnia, rock hill of Upper-Devonian limestone. There are numerous fossils of corals, cephalopods and other sea creatures which are 350 millions of years old. We can see here many various interesting tectonic, mineral and carsum phenomena. Kadzielnia is the biggest centre of caves and caverns in Kielce Region. In this incredible place we can see a picturesque Kielce amphitheatre. Rock reserve Ślichowice is a geological profile uncovered during stone exploitation with big fallen rock fold depicting Hercynian tectonic processes of Świętokrzyskie Mountains. In the eastern part of Kadzielniańskie Range in old quarry and todays Zbigniew Rubinowski nature reserve Wietrznia there are Upper-Devonian limestone of variable layers thickness, with some fossils of cephalopoda, corals, snails, clams, trilobites, crinoids and armoured fish. The smallest of Kielce reserves Biesak-Białogon is also very interesting. It includes a fragment of forest with closed quarry excavation in which there are protected outcrops of Ordovician and Cambrian rocks depicting many interesting tectonic phenomena. GeoPark Kielce ul. Strycharska 6, Kielce Phone

11 Busko-Zdrój Busko-Zdrój is one of the best Polish spas with unique in Europe waters of sulphuric and iodine-bromic compounds. The showpiece of the town and spa located in the south part of it is Baths and presently Marconi Sanatoruim in the centre of spa park. The centre was built by a Polish architect of Italian decent Henryk Marconi, completed in The greatest treasure of Busko-Zdrój is mineral water which used for cardiovascular system disorders treatment, movement system, vegetative system and skin diseases treatments. The basic parts of the treatment are sulphuric compounds baths and drinking treatment. Traditional hydrotherapy is supported by wide variety of physiotherapy treatments with use of modern medical equipment i.e. aqua massage, vacuumed, vibration platform or kriogenic therapy in special chambers with temperatures below 1200C, which give extraordinary results. There is also a possibility to receive beautifying and rejuvenating SPA and wellness treatments regaining the balance of body and spirit. In the spa offer there are: youth capsule, massages, baths, compresses of mud from the Dead Sea, spray tanning, relaxation treatment with music therapy in salt-iodine grotto. Busko-Zdrój SPA ul. F. Rzewuskiego 1, Busko-Zdrój Phone , Phone/Fax Marconi Sanatorium Central Booking Park Zdrojowy, Busko-Zdrój Phone , Fax rezerwacja@uzdrowisko-busko-zdroj.com.pl Włókniarz Sanatorium ul. Rokosza 1, Busko-Zdrój Phone , Fax st Military Spa Rehabilitation Hospital ul. F. Rzewuskiego 8, Busko-Zdrój Booking: Central switchboard Reception desk Nida-Zdrój Sanatorium Ltd. ul. Rzewuskiego 9, Busko-Zdrój Phone , Fax Solec-Zdrój Solec-Zdrój Spa attracts more and more tourists and patients every year. Some celebrities used to come to visit here before Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, renown opera diva Wanda Wermińska, Aleksander Zelwerowicz, violinist Irena Dubiska and many important persona from artistic circles. And everything because of local brines discovered in 1815 by a famous mining adviser engineer Becker who was looking for salt discovered rich springs of mineral water of strong hydrogen sulphide smell. High concentration of two-indicators sulphur presence and their high mineralization make waters from Solec strongest medicinal waters in Poland and one of the best in Europe. In the spa there are treated various types of disorders movement system, peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, women s diseases, heavy metals poisoning and also rheumatic and post-traumatic orthopedic disorders. Here was built a spa hotel Malinowy Zdrój based on one of the strongest brine springs. It offers a wide variety of rejuvenating, toning and beautifying treatments like pearl baths, youth capsule, massages, hydro-massages, aromatherapy, algae and salt therapy, treatment improving body and face skin texture, Finish, steam and herbal sauna. Solec-Zdrój Ltd. ul. 1-go Maja 1, Solec-Zdrój Phone/Fax , Malinowy Zdrój Hotel *** SPA with Rehabilitation Centre ul. Leśna 7, Solec-Zdrój Phone , Fax Health and Beauty Spas 9

12 10Historical Towns and Places 10 Pińczów Pińczów the heart of Ponidzie, a place by Nida River 39 kilometers south from Kielce. In 1424 a small settlement became Oleśniccy family property. They built a residence on Castle Hill and they founded Pauline Monastery in Before that, in February 1428 King Władysław Jagiełło granted Pińczów town charter. During Reformation between Pauline monks were expulsed from the town and church was converted into Calvinistic Protestant church. In post-monastery building Pińczów Gymnasium was established which was famous in all Europe and later on was called Sarmatian Athens. Hugo Kołłątaj, later co-originator of The 3rd May Constitution, here in 1563 for the first time translated the Bible into Polish later on it gained the adjectives Brzeg Bible or Pińczów Bible. In the town which was the centre of Reformation movement there was Arian printing shop and there were held 22 Reformation Synods. There are couple of must-sees in Pińczów Post-Paulinian Monastic Complex, church and Reformati Order Monastery from 1578, palace of Wielopolscy Family, house on Mirów called The Arian Printing Shop or the only architectural remain of rich Jewish culture a Renaissance synagogue. It is worth to climb Monastery Hill to a Manieristic, first in Poland, free-standing chapel of sole religious character. There is a fantastic panorama of the town and Nida River Valley from its top. Tourist Information Centre of Ponidzie ul. Piłsudskiego 2 a, Pińczów, Phone/Fax Szydłów On the border of Szydłowskie Foothills, 14 kilometers north-west from Staszów, there are ruins of a Gothic castle erected in 1354 by King Kazimierz Wielki. Turbulent history of the place and numerous alterations made it a palace which gained its final look in Spatial courtyard was encompassed from north and west with city walls and from east and south with additional protective ramparts. Despite placing it in the most inaccessible spot within town fortifications and moat it deteriorated during the years and even was partially demolished. Until now from former complex only Knights Hall, Treasury todays Regional Museum and Cracow Gates preserved. At the end of June and beginning of July Szydłów is a meeting place for various knights brotherhoods to fight for the prize of Sword of King Kazimierz Wielki. Regional Museum ul. Szkolna 8, Szydłów Phone Open: Apr Sep every day , Oct March every day Końskie Końskie was known already in 11th Century and initially it belonged to Odrowąż family and then in the middle of 17th Century the village Końskie with surroundings passed into hands of Małachowski family. Between Iwo Odrowąż, Cracow Bishop built a church here dedicated to St Nicolas and established a parish in Końskie. In the 15th Century Romanesque church was pulled down and on its place there was built another, Gothic one (on the Market Square). In 1748 King August III Sas granted Końskie town charter, coat of arms and official name Końskie Wielkie. The location act brought new settlers to town and development of crafts. Around the Market Place town building started to expand and Jan Małachowski started building a new palace-park complex which today drastically made smaller and with destroyed original layout is one of the most interesting examples of small garden architecture of the turn of 18th and 19th Centuries. Here is Egyptian Hothouse, Greek Temple, Grandchildren Hut, summer houses, glorietties and small walls with turrets. In the park there are numerous species of trees of historic importance (lindens, oaks) within the palace complex. Just by the park there is an exhibition room of Końskie Land Tradition in local division of PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers Society) presenting its keepsakes. Tourist Information Centre and Exhibition of Końskie Land Tradition PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers Society) Końskie Division ul. Zamkowa 7, Końskie, Phone Open: Mon Fri , holidays after previous appointment

13 Chmielnik Chmielnik shows up in old documents in a very dramatic moment in the history of Poland. On the 18th of March 1241 during Tartars raid on Polish territories there was a battle fought nearby called Chmielnik Battle known to be one of the greatest battles in the history of 13th-Century Europe. History played very interesting and important role in Chmielnik: during Reformation it was an important Arian centre and the place of Calvinistic Synods and at the beginning of 17th Century it became a place for new settlement for Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain. Their synagogue was erected in 1638 and today annual event Meeting With Jewish Culture held in mid June is a vivid evidence of those time. The tourists coming to town can admire the Market Place from 19th Century, bourgeoisie and tenements houses with arched vaults with trusses. Besides it is worth to see parish church built between and erected on the place of a wooden temple a church from the 16th Century. Municipal and District Authorities of Chmielnik Plac Kościelny 5, Chmielnik Phone/Fax , , , Bodzentyn In the heart of Świętokrzyskie Mountains in Bodzentyn there are ruins of 14th- Century castle built by Cracow Bishop Florian from Mokrsko. In this summer residence of Cracow Bishops on 19th of June 1410 stayed King Władysław Jagiełło returning from the pilgrimage on Holy Cross where he prayed to win the coming battle with Teutonic Knights. Built on a high bank encompassed from two sides by waters of Psarka River the castle in approaching centuries changed completely turning into an aristocratic residence. In 1789 by the Parliament decree it was overtaken by the state. Since then it served a function of storage house then field hospital. Finally abandoned and forgotten in 1902 was declared a historical monument, so called permanent ruin protected by the state. Another precious historical monument of Bodzentyn is a Gothic church presently colegiate church dedicated to The Holy Virgin Mary Mother of God Assumption and St Stanisław. In sumptuous interiors of the temple we can admire Bodzentyn Triptych from the beginning of 16th Century by an apprentice of Wit Stwosz, Marcin Czarny and Renaissance altar painted in 1546 by order of King Zygmunt Stary for Wawel Cathedral as a main altar. On 3rd of May Street number 13 it is worth to see Antique Homestead of Czernikiewicze family from 1897 one of the ethnographic spots of Kielce Village Museum. Municipal and District Authorities of Bodzentyn ul. Suchedniowska 3, Bodzentyn Phone , , Phone/Fax Historical Towns and Places Raków Raków was established in 1569 by Żarnów Castellan Jan Sienieński, turning it into a sanctuary for people of various denominations. Thanks to numerous privileges and announced religious freedom Raków became an Arianic centre in Poland. There was a church, Arian printing shop and famous all over the world Raków Academy established here. But unfortunately the glory days of Raków ended very swiftly along with the expulsion of the Arians from Poland. The town declined and desolated and even foundation of a magnificent church dedicated to Holy Trinity founded by Cracow Bishop Jakub Zadzik on the place of former Arian church did not brought back its former position. Today this very church and a stone building from 17th Century the residence of the Master of Polish Brethren, the St Anna Church from 1641 and several houses from Arian times recall the magnificent times it used to have. Commune Office in Raków ul. Ogrodowa 1, Raków Phone/Fax

14 12Historical Towns and Places 12 Nowy Korczyn Nowy Korczyn, granted town charter in 1258 by a decree of Prince Bolesław Wstydliwy and to differentiate it from the neighbouring Korczyn was named Nowy (New Town) Korczyn. Even before the town location Prince Bolesław with his wife Kinga founded here monastery of Franciscan Friars. The glory days resulted in Nowy Korczyn situatiuon on the crossing trade routes from Cracow to Russia and from Koszyce to Sandomierz were crowned by erecting by King Kazimierz Wielki the royal castle which was at that time one of the most important royal residences in Poland. The town was surrounded by walls and ramparts and additionally protected by an artificial lake Czartoria. Trade and crafts flourished in the town, there were meetings of knighthood and regional deities of Małopolska Province. After numerous devastating fires and also raids Korczyn in 17th Century declined much and in 1869 its town charter was revoked. Today Nowy Korczyn is a village with two incredible churches in its panorama New Korczyn Parish Church and mentioned above former Franciscan Monastery. The church built in the 16th Century gained its present look after thorough alteration in the 17th Century. Mannerist beautiful west facade, decorative vault with stucco and preserved fragment of Late-Gothic triptych depicting Bewailing of the Christ draw visitors attention in particular. In former Franciscan Friars monastery a tourist can admire Gothic and Baroque polychromes. An interesting evidence of times when half of the population was Jewish are ruins of Nowy Korczyn Classical synagogue from the end of the 18th Century. Commune Office in Nowy Korczyn ul. Krakowska 1, Nowy Korczyn Phone , Stopnica Stopnica, a small town in Busko district in the times of King Kazimierz Wielki was one of the Royal Towns. Gothic penitential church from 1362 built in the towns centre can still be seen there Stopnica Parish Church one of the Baryczka series. Built from stone blocks, the parish church has a rectangular shape with two pillars and a polygonal chancel. There are two chapels adjacent to the temple Late Gothic one and an Early-Baroque. Inside tourist should pay particular attention to vaults with original ogives, keystones and trusses. The church despite serious damages from the II World War preserved its former, original look. It cannot be said though about Stopnica castle depicted in Długosz chronicles. Demolished by Swedes rebuilt in Italian style then many time converted today, it mundanely and sadly finishes as a collection point for purchase of apples and does not even remotely resemble former castle. Commune Office in Stopnica ul. Kościuszki 2, Stopnica Phone ,

15 Oblęgorek (Henryk Sienkiewicz) In Oblęgorek not far from Strawczyn there is an estate of Polish Noble Prize Winner Henryk Sienkiewicz. The landed estate by notarial deed from 22nd of December 1900 the writer was given by Polish people in the 25th anniversary of his literary work. The author of Quo Vadis usually spent summers here from 1902 to Since 1958 it has become a museum dedicated to his life and work. The exposition faithfully depicts rooms layout and furniture from times when Sienkiewicz family lived here. Biographicalliterary exposition presents many information on the writer, his non-literary work and travels. There are most valuable keepsakes of Sienkiewicz albums, documents and letters sent to the renown writer as tokens of appreciation and awe for his talent. Henryk Sienkiewicz Museum in Oblęgorek (Branch of National Museum in Kielce) Oblęgorek, Strawczyn, Phone Open: Nov April Wed Sun May Sept Tue Sun , Oct Tue Sun Nagłowice (Mikołaj Rej) Mikołaj Rej the Renaissance poet and author of famous words: Let them foreign folk know forever, Poles have their tongue and are not like parrots in strange feathers called the father of Polish literature since he was the first writer creating in Polish. In Nagłowice place of his dwelling in a manor from about year 1800 there is his exhibition room. The exposition presents life, work bonds with Nagłowice and the meaning of his poems for Polish culture and writing. There are some old oaks in an ancient English garden surrounding the manor from his times. Tourists can find accommodation in historical manor rooms. Kielce (Stefan Żeromski) Stefan Żeromski was particularly bonded with Kielce region. He was born in Strawczyn near Kielce, spent his childhood in Ciekoty, lived and learned in Kielce. Świętokrzyskie Land is almost constantly present in all his books. The plot of many known stories takes place in Kielce. The descriptions of Świętokrzyskie landscapes can be found in Syzyfowe prace, Dzieje grzechu, Ludzie bezdomni and Puszcza Jodłowa. In a preparation school for Seminary later State Gymnasium for Boys there is School Days Museum of Stefan Żeromski established in 1964 in the 100th anniversary of the writers birth. Apart from Stefan Żeromski also Bolesław Prus or Adolf Dygasiński finished the same school. The museum collection consists of family keepsakes, items connected with school and education, pictures of members of the family, friends, adolescent loves of the writer and first editions of his works. The School Years of Stefan Żeromski Museum (Branch of National Museum in Kielce) ul. Jana Pawła II 5, Kielce, Phone , Fax Open: Tue, Thur, Fri, Sun , Wed The Streams of History Mikołaj Rej Manor ul. Kacpra Walewskiego 7, Nagłowice, Phone Open: May Sept Mon Sat Sun and holidays , Oct Apr Bodzechów/Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski (Witold Gombrowicz) Witold Gombrowicz writer, dramatist and essayist was born in Małoszyce near Opatów, and time when his father was a director in Cardboard Factory in nearby Doły Biskupie, he spent in Bodzechów. Witulin after the name of the youngest member of Gombrowicz family Witold the writers parents named established company and life of noble estate wielded enormous influence on Gombrowicz works. Many literary pictures from Pornografia, Ferdydyrke or Ślub simply evokes Ćmielów, Brzóstowa, Grocholice, Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, Ruda (today Kościelna) or above mentioned Bodzechów. Not so long time ago Bodzechów was temporary adobe of Witold Gombrowicz Museum. With the approval of the owner of the Museum in Bodzechów all keepsakes were removed to Ostrowiec along with traditional June Gombrowicz Picnic. Annual literary competitions, photography exhibitions, happenings, street theatres performances, chess tournament or off-road cars rally Gombrajd are ideal means to get to know the life and works of the author of Trans-Atlantic. The places connected with childhood and youth of the writer were included into a green bike route. 13

16 14The Streams of History 14 Historical Smelting Plant in Maleniec In 1968 a group of students of Silesian Technical University discovered in Maleniec by Czarna River excellently preserved rolling mill and nail plant one of the most important historical industrial monument of Końskie Land. The plant was established in 1784 by Castellan of Łuków, Jacek Jezierski initially as a lumber mill and wire plant. Half a century later rolling mill and machineries for hammer and axe production. In mid 19th Century there were 15 nail machines installed. The only power source was water a central shaft running parallely along the axis of the plant transmitted power to all machinery. Traditional methods of nails, and then spades and fittings were carried until the closure of the plant in Every year in July during a tourist festival Kuźnice Koneckie a visitor can see ancient machines at work a peculiar live museum. Historical Smelting Plant Maleniec 54, Ruda Maleniecka, Phone Open: Every day until dusk The Museum of Old-Polish Industrial Centre in Sielpia Sielpia is the biggest recreation centre in Świętokrzyskie Region situated by Czarna Konecka River. In the past though, it was known as an industrial centre with a rolling mill and residential workers area. The initiator of building here a factory complex with a hospital na d school and residential area was Stanisław Staszic who tried to use local tradition of iron ore exploitation to strengthen economic position of the Congress Kingdom of Poland. The plant was operational almost one hundred years. In 1934 declared a historical industrial monument and converted into a technical museum robbed by the Germans during occupation. Fortunately they did not manage to take away the biggest European water wheel of 80 tons weigh! Apart from this true technical rarity of The Museum of Old-Polish Industrial Centre a visitor can see many unique machines such as lathes, presses or 150-years old machine tools. Also weirs, sluices and canals, production halls, wood drying rooms, porter s lodge and former factory living quarters. The Museum of Old-Polish Industrial Centre ul. Słoneczna 19, Sielpia, Końskie, Phone Open: Tue Sun , Nature and Technology Museum in Starachowice Nature and Technology Museum is a unique institution concerning the variety of its collection. It includes area of 8 hectares on grounds of former two blast-furnace plants (from 1841 and 1899). The most valuable items in the museum are a blast furnace for coke and the biggest steam machine in Europe brought here from Industrial Exhibition in Paris. There is also a settlement of ancient iron smelting with a primitive furnace or old cars that Starachowice Plant used to produce. The separate part of the museum is archeological exhibition with the most important section tracks of animals living in Świętokrzyskie Mountains region 200 millions years ago. On the grounds of iron smelting complex there are some events organized with most popular Żelazne Korzenie (Iron Roots) and Starzech Fair. Nature and Technology Museum Jan Pazdur Ecomuseum ul. Wielkopiecowa 1, Starachowice Phone/Fax Open: Apr Oct, Tue Fri , Sat Sun , Nov March, Tue Fri , Sat Sun Furnace in Kuźniaki On the route from Ruda Strawczyńska to Mniów it is worth to stop and see place called Kuźniaki with interesting architecturally great furnace of former smelting plant Jadwiga. The furnace of a shape of truncated pyramid was operational between in its glory days giving as much as 1000 tons of pig iron. Fences, gratings, crosses, pipes and metal sheets were made from it. Apart from ruins of the furnace there were preserved former water source (weir, pond and sluice), underground canal 100-meters long and a heap of cinder by its outlet. Commune Office in Strawczyn ul. Żeromskiego 16, Strawczyn, Phone

17 Mechanical Forge in Stara Kuźnica In Stara Kuźnica by the river Młynkówka there is the only one in Poland preserved in original form historical forge with water system from 18th Century. Its heart is huge, powered by water wheel, hammer that hits 60 times a minute in a huge anvil. Wooden box bellows, manual metal sheet scissors, furnace and other blacksmits tools were used here until By the old wooden building of the forge there is a hydrotechnical complex supplying water to propelling wheel. Kuźnica is a museum. Ruins of Blast-furnace Plant in Samsonów Samsonów is a small village where in 1818 by initiative of Stanisław Staszic blast-furnace plant was built so called Joseph s Smelting Plant. It used water from Bobrza River as its source of power which was delivered to the plant by a canal. Smelting plant in Samsonów worked until 1866 when was destroyed by a fire. In the central part of the ruin there is a blast furnace and behind it a tower from where the furnace was filled. The rest of it consists of pattern room, drying room, foundry and enamel room. Local Active Group Dorzecze Bobrzy Kostomłoty II 94 a Miedziana Góra Mechanical Forge Stara Kuźnica 46, Końskie, Phone Open from Tue to Sun by living next to it Mr Niewęgłowski by appointment. Rolling Mill in Nietulisko Duże Ruins of small profile and metal sheet rolling mill in Nietulisko Duże are remains of one of the plants of metallurgy conglomerate by Kamienna River being the last link of, so called Starachowice Industrial group. Built between factory was carefully planned urban layout with industrial housing estate and water system. It consists of rolling mill, two drying rooms, warehouse, shed, stable, administrative building, scales and 36 houses for workers and management. Destroyed by flood in 1903 today it is an interesting historical building with fragments of halls of arcade vaults and wholly preserved water system canals, weirs and dams. The Streams of History Municipality and Commune Office in Kunów ul. Warszawska 45 b, Kunów Phone/Fax , Retaining Wall in Bobrza River Bobrza makes a picturesque break in the village of the same name. Abundance of water was used by man to develop metallurgy. Between a first Polish furnace was built here. Bobrza was then the main centre of seven smelting complex. They processed ore from nearby iron ore mines. In the beginnings of 18th Century manufactories deteriorated. In the first half of 19th Century the owners started to build five blast furnace and forge. Unfortunately the November Uprising outbreak stopped the investment which was never completed. There are only fragments of impressive retaining wall and a factory hall remained. Local Active Group Dorzecze Bobrzy Kostomłoty II 94 a, Miedziana Góra 15

18 16In Search of Solace 16 Golden Forrest Hermitage in Rytwiany In 1624 Jan Tęczyński brought Camaldolese Monks to Rytwiany and built for them Eremus Silvae Aureae The Hermitage of Golden Forrest. The complex consisted of the church of Annunciation of Holy Virgin Mary, monastery buildings and Eremitory - or hermitage huts complex. Tourists can admire church with Baroque interior, Tęczyński hermitage and part of the buildings with monastery kitchen, pharmacy. Since 2001 the Centre of Culture and Education Źródło (Source) has taken care of the monastery and gave the wings of monastery to those who seek solitude, solace and contemplation. Golden Forrest Hermitage in Rytwiany is the first therapeutic centre in Poland based upon Post-Camaldolese monastery specializing in therapy for people endangered toxic syndromes of civilization workoholism, extensive shopping, internet addiction etc. Relaxation- Contemplation Therapeutic Centre Hermitage of Golden Forrest ul. Klasztorna 25, Rytwiany, Phone St. John the Baptist Church in Zawichost Zawichost is a royal town situated on Early-Medieval Ruthenian trade route from Western Europe east to Grody Czerwieńskie, Kiev and Mongolian Empire situated above historical Vistula crossing. In 1257, Prince Bolesław Wstydliwy granted the town along with other 25 local places to, established in Zawichost, Order of Poor Clare Convent the first in Poland. Founded in 1257 St. John the Baptist church along with the Convent was his sister s monastic dowry, the princess Salomea who joined the Order. Presently the church is an impressive example of Early-Gothic architecture with two annexed chapels from 17th and 18th Centuries. There is also an interesting 18th - Century church of Assumption of Holy Virgin Mary built on the place of 12th Century one with a beautiful view on Vistula River. Municipality and Commune Office in Zawichost ul. Żeromskiego 50, Zawichost, Phone , Fax St. Joseph Collegiate Church in Klimontów Baroque St. Joseph Collegiate Church founded in 1637 by Jerzy Ossoliński on an ellipse layout is the mightiest building in Klimontów surroundings. It was erected by Wawrzyniec Senes according to a plan based on Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice which is one of the most original and beautiful buildings from 17th Century. Inside, around elliptic central part runs an ambulatory with altar alcoves. Upstairs around domed nave and chancel decorated with polychrome there is a gallery. Inside the church there are interesting stuccos made before 1647 by Jean Baptiste Falconi, Early-Baroque portals, Rococo polychrome on the walls and vault of the vestibule, Rococo choir, organs and four altars. Monastery and Holy Virgin Mary and St Jacek Church towers over Klimontów. Monastery Post-Dominican complex is an excellent example of Polish Late-Renaissance building where traditionally Gothic mass of a building was decorated with Renaissance nave tops and arched vaults inside. By the Market Square there is Classical, built in 1851 synagogue with four-column portico and double staircase upstairs. Commune Office in Klimontów ul. Zysmana 1, Klimontów, Phone , Painful Mother of God Sanctuary in Kałków-Godów The year 1971 is the beginning of the sanctuary of Painful Mother of God Sanctuary in Kałków-Godów when Bishop Piotr Gołębiowski established here pastoral centre. The building started in A year later Bishop Stanisław Sygnet consecrated picture of Painful Mother of God made after the picture of Mother of God from Licheń. The sanctuary also runs many charity activities among other initiatives home for elderly people, disabled town, house of aural impaired, workshops of group therapy and job market workshop. There are several interesting sacral objects within the complex: stone stations of the Cross of Via Dolorosa with 33-meters high Golgotha (rosary chapels and oratorios) depicting death of Lord Jesus, martyrdom of Polish nation, figure of Mother of God with white eagle on the crown at her feet, pieta chapel, Bethlehem road, belfry and moving Świętokrzyskie panorama. Painful Mother of God Sanctuary of Queen of Poland and Mother of Świętokrzyskie Land Kałków-Godów 84 a, Pawłów near Starachowice, Phone

19 Cistercian Monastery in Wąchock There is a true architectural gem in Wąchock Cistercian Abbey with best-preserved Romanesque interiors in Poland. Between an Italian Cistercian workshop of brother Simon erected a stone abbey based on Tuscan architecture patterns. The construction of very enchanting simple vaults and supports market contemporary standard of architecture and monastery and capitulary with cross vaults on four columns is undoubtedly the most beautiful Romanesque interior in Poland. The original Romanesque layout of the monastery complex despite further alterations was preserved. It resisted time along with beautiful capitulary a Romanesque masterpiece. In the gallery there is tomb crypt of Major Jan Piwnik Ponury legendary leader of Świętokrzyskie Concentration of Home Army, and in monastery building, by the gate there is Museum of Cistercian Friars based on unique keepsakes of national uprisings collection collected by priest Lieutenant-Colonel Walenty Ślusarczyk. Museum of Cistercian Friars Monastery in Wąchock ul. Kościelna 14, Wąchock Phone , Fax Open: May Oct during week , , Sun and church holidays and by appointment; Nov Apr during week Sun and holidays and by appointment Cistercian Monastery in Jędrzejów In 1149 some French friars came to present-day Jędrzejów from Cistercian Abbey in Morimond in Burgundy and built the first Cistercian monastery in Poland. Towering over town abbey consists of a three-nave basilica with transept and monastery buildings of which only three wings preserved. Inside the church there are very interesting Late-Romanesque supports in south chapels and Baroque organs and stalls. It is curious that Polish chronicler Wincenty called Kadłubek since 1217 had been leading his monastic life. He is an author of four-volumes of Polish Chronicler which is the main, though not very reliable source on Polish history of that time. There is Wincenty Kadłubek tomb in the basilica with relics. Every year in August and September there is International Organ Festival held in the monastery. Sanctuary of Blessed Wincenty Kadłubek ul. Klasztorna 20, Jędrzejów, Phone Koprzywnica Romanesque Relics In 1185, when Abbot Theodoryk from Morimond came to Koprzywnica, he started the building of Mary Virgin and St Florian church supported financially by Sandomierz Voivod Mikołaj Bogoria and King Kazimierz Sprawiedliwy. It was erected with stone blocks with some Gothic brick amendments on its tops, Baroque vestry, a chapel, west facade with vestibule and little-bell tower. Very impressive cross vaults expose some Gothic paintings. There is also a wing of the monastery preserved with Late-Romanesque capitulary with interesting cross vault and a fragment of Abbey court from about Eight-hundredth Anniversary Society of Cistercian Abbey in Koprzywnica ul. Krakowska 78, Koprzywnica, Phone Samborzec In a town Samborzec, on a hill there is a brick Holy Trinity church erected in mid 13th century by Duke Paweł from Samborzec. The sanctuary reconstructed after the Swedish wars and then several times rebuilt, has many Baroque features with some remains of Romanesque style. While in Samborzec it is worth to get to know the history of the place with some sites dated 5000 years B.C. This is the date of the first settlements. The remains of prehistoric era are some small burial mounds called Kwacał Tumulus and Kocot in Gorzyczany. A stronghold of Złocka Culture in Złota and Samborzec dated 4000 B.C. are also worth seeing, as well as burial ground from Bronze Age and loessum ravines in Chobrzany, Gorzyczany and Samborzec, Baroque alcove court and 14th-century church with polychrome in Skotniki. In the first days of May there is a folk feast held in Samborzec The Feast of Blooming Apple Tree. Commune Office in Samborzec Samborzec 43, Samborzec, Phone , In Search of Solace 17

20 extreme Marathon in Sielpia Selpia extreme Marathon is an event for everybody who want to check their condition and spend a week in the spirit of sports competition. Sielpia extreme Marathon is free, individual tourist-recreational endurance hiking event on two routes 50 and 25 kilometers. The route runs through picturesque, forested hilly Sielpia surroundings. The competition is ended with collective bonfire when all competitors get Sielpia extreme Marathon certificates. 18In the land of strong impressions 18 PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers Society) Końskie Division ul. Zamkowa 7, Końskie Phone Aeronautical sports Pińczów and Masłów If you want even once look at Świętokrzyskie Mountains from above and you look for a thrill and adrenaline, visit airfields in Masłów and Pińczów. Here you can fly a high-glider, glider and motor-glider, jump with a parachute and also take part in one of numerous courses organized by aeroclubs. Such exciting form of active recreation requires only courage, good health and proper certificates. What you got in exchange is unforgettable experience and incredible views. Kayaking through Ponidzie Nida, kayaks, Cretaceous sites, traces of Polish statehood, but most of all soothing peace. Such attractions await anybody who goes for kayaking on Ponidzie a huge Nida Basin where Czarna and Biała Nida meet to form proper Nida River. This mysterious and charming land enchants with great views, river meanders and beautiful Świętokrzyskie landscapes. The most popular fragment of kayak route goes from Pińczów to Wiślica and further on to Nowy Korczyn where Nida finishes its course. The route is 40-kilometer long. Although Nida is less developed than other Polish navigable rivers there are no selected places for camping to put up a tent in one of the tourist farming farms should be no problem. Tourist Company KAJAKIEM.PL ul. Rakowska Jędrzejów Phone Kayaking ul. Pałęki 26, Pińczów Phone/Fax , , Kielce Aeroclub airfield in Masłów near Kielce Phone Fax Regional Aeroclub in Pińczów ul. Piłsudskiego 2 a, Pińczów Phone