HIGHLIGHTS of the ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE REGION Kielce

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE REGION 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. 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 con- fused – they really do not know why go and what to do there. Actually we dedicate this publication to them. We pro- mise 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 ef- fective since not so long time ago for ourselves a trip to Świętokrzyskie was something cosmic – visit Kielce Re- gion – whatever for? And that was a typical reaction for a proposition to get to know this 4 per cent fragment of Po- lish 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 sub- stantiate 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, Jędrze- jów, Wąchock, Opatów, Pińczów, Ujazd, Szydłów, Świę- ty Krzyż and Święta Katarzyna, Chęciny, Bodzentyn, Ko- przywnica, Busko-Zdrój, Końskie, Sielpia, Maleniec, Na- głowice, 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 Świętokrzy- skie 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 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 confir- med 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 Bole- sław Krzywousty some buildings of Benedictine Monaste- ry 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 1819. Today since 1936 the Holy Cross under protection of Oblate Mis- sionaries still is an important place of religious cult attrac- ting 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, 26-004 Bieliny Nowa Słupia commune Phone +4841 317 70 21 www.swietykrzyz.pl Open: during week 9.00 – 17.00 Sundays and holidays 12.15 – 17.00

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 Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land 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 drip- stones bowls. There are attractive and spectacular rarities are pizoids – called cave pearls or loose spherical dripsto- nes. In cave drifts there were found – presented on „by- cave” exhibition – flint tools of Neanderthals who lived here about 50.000 years ago and also remains of prehistoric animals: mammoth, shaggy rhinoceros and cave bear.

 Raj (Paradise) Cave 26-060 Chęciny Booking: Phone/Fax +4841 346 55 18 www.jaskiniaraj.pl Open: 15 Jan – 15 Nov Tue – Sun 10.00 – 17.00 2 Sandomierz Sandomierz is definitely older than the Piast Polish state. In the Chro- nicle 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 Sando- mierz 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 impor- Land Świętokrzyskie of Gems tance. The most precious include: Medieval layout of the town with Rena- issance 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 Cathe- dral with precious Byzantine-Ruthenian frescos inside. One of the oldest secondary schools in the country in Late-Renaissance Collegium Gosto- mianum 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, 27-600 Sandomierz, Phone +4815 832 23 05 Phone/Fax +4815 832 26 82 www.pttk-sandomierz.pl

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 ro- ses 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- ra vine is named after Queen Jadwiga (born 1374) who being in San- domierz used to stroll here.

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, 27-600 Sandomierz Phone +4815 832 60 29, +48 603 591 485 3 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 pri- mary 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., 27-400 Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Phone/Fax +4841 262 09 78 Open: May – Sep, Mon – Fri 9.00 – 18.00, Sat 9.00 – 17.00 Sun and holidays 11.00 – 17.00 July and August Sat – Sun 11.00 – 19.00 April and October Mon – Sat 9.00 – 16.00 Sun and holidays 11.00 – 16.00 Nov – March Mon – Sat 9.00 – 15.00 Sun and holidays 11.00 – 15.00 www.krzemionki.pl

„Krzyżtopór” Castle Erected by Wawrzyniec Senes between 1631-1644 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 +4815 860 11 33 www.krzyztopor.eu 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 Cen-

Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land tury 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 „Oran- te 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 Ho- use 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 1347.

 Regional Museum – Długosz House Plac Solny 32, 28-160 Wiślica Phone +4841 379 21 64, +48 508 869 366 Open: Wed – Sun 9.00 – 16.00 www.muzeum.wislica.pl 4 Opatów Among forested range of Jeleniowskie Mountains, on Sandomierz Upland there is Opa- tów, 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 Je- sus 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 Land Świętokrzyskie of Gems 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, 27-500 Opatów, Phone +4815 868 27 78 www.pttkopatow.free.ngo.pl

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 undisco- vered 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 appe- ars 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 Obse- rvant 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 26-060 Chęciny Phone +48 602 503 473 (Paweł Górajski) Open: 9.00 – 17.00

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- inthefol lowing 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”. The- re 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, 28-200 Staszów Phone +4815 866 72 72, +4815 866 72 71, Fax +4815 866 72 36 www.bizony.com 5 Jurapark in Bałtów Visit in Jurassic Park in Bałtów gives a tourist unique opportu- nity 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 Ame- rican schoolbus – llamas, moufflons, camels, wild boars, sheep, -an telopes 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 attrac- tiuons 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 professio- nally prepared ski slope with 65-meters level difference, ski lifts and two ski routes of 340 and 570 meters long.

 Jurapark Bałtów 27-423 Bałtów 8 a (12 kilometers North from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski), Phone +4841 264 14 20 or 21 www.juraparkbaltow.pl

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 Fe- liks 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 quali- ty 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 Hewe- lius, 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 pan- try.

 The Przypkowskis’ Museum Pl. Kościuszki 7/8, 28-300 Jędrzejów Phone +4841 386 24 45, +4841 386 11 5 www.muzeum.jedrzejow.pl Open: Tue – Sun 16 April – 15 Oct 8.00 – 17.00 16 Oct – 15 April 8.00 – 16.00 Gems of Świętokrzyskie Land

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 1934. 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.

 www.zagnansk.pl

6 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 1637-1641. It is the best preserved architectural monument from Waza dy- nasty 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 EasternRegion the of Capital The – Kielce 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). Recon- structed Italian Castle Garden is in the back of the palace.

 National Museum – Palace of Cracow Bishops Plac Zamkowy 1, 25-010 Kielce Tickets phone: +4841 344 23 18, +4841 344 40 14 www.muzeumkielce.net Open: Tue 10.00 – 18.00, Wed – Sun 9.00 – 16.00

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 Po- st-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 1624-28. 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 – ca- rved 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 Kar- czówka 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 Święto- krzyskie Mountains.

 Monastery on Karczówka 25-602 Kielce, skr. poczt. 17, Phone +4841 345 05 38, +4841 368 38 09 www.karczowka-pallotyni.kielce.opoka.org.pl

Cathedral The history of Kielce Cathedral starts in the second half of 12th.Cen- tury. In 1171 a Cracow Bishop Gedeon founded the temple built in Ro- manesque style. After numerous disasters and architectural changes and alterations carried from 13th to 19th centuries it gained the present, Ear- ly-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 1726-1765: main Baroque altar made by Cracow sculptors with the picture of Mary Assumed into He- aven painted by Szymon Czechowicz, side altars, pulpit or Bishops’ galle- ries. 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, 25-013 Kielce Phone +4841 344 33 91 Cathedral Treasure open after prior telephone contact

7 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 minia- ture 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, 25-367 Kielce Phone +4841 344 40 78, Phone/Fax +4841 344 48 19 www.muzeumzabawek.eu Open: Tue – Sun 9.00 – 17.00

Kielce Cultural Centre Kielce Cultural Centre is a stately cultural institution of Kielce and Świę- tokrzyskie Region, organizer of many cultural events of national range – concerts, opera performances, musicals and plays. It is an adobe of Świętokrzy- ska 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 Cultu- ral 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, 25-334 Kielce Phone +4841 344 40 32 www.kck.com.pl

Georaj (Geoparadise) Kielce is known as a place of unique geological features with four geological reserves. The most well-known is Kadziel- nia, rock hill of Upper-Devonian limestone. There are - nu merous 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 Kiel- ce amphitheatre. Rock reserve „Ślichowice” is a geological profile uncovered during stone exploitation with big fallen rock fold depicting Hercynian tectonic processes of Świętokrzy- skie 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, sna- Kielce – The Capital of the Region ils, 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 Cam- brian rocks depicting many interesting tectonic phenomena.

 GeoPark Kielce ul. Strycharska 6, 25-659 Kielce Phone +4841 367 66 54 www.geopark-kielce.pl

8 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 1836. 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, va- cuumed, 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, Spas Beauty and Health relaxation treatment with music therapy in salt-iodine grotto.

 „Busko-Zdrój SPA” ul. F. Rzewuskiego 1, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój Phone +4841 370 32 00, Phone/Fax +4841 378 41 54 www.uzdrowisko-busko-zdroj.com.pl

 „Marconi Sanatorium” – Central Booking Park Zdrojowy, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój Phone +4841 370 31 51, +4841 370 31 52 Fax +4841 370 30 50 e-mail: [email protected]

 „Włókniarz Sanatorium” ul. Rokosza 1, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój Phone +4841 370 70 70, Fax +4841 378 10 18 www.wlokniarz.pl

 21st Military Spa – Rehabilitation Hospital ul. F. Rzewuskiego 8, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój Booking: +4841 378 03 85 Central switchboard +4841 378 24 17 Reception desk +4841 378 09 00 www.21wszur.pl

 „Nida-Zdrój Sanatorium” Ltd. ul. Rzewuskiego 9, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój Phone +4841 378 24 91 – 3, Fax +4841 378 37 72 www.sanatoria.com.pl/busko/nida

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 Ire- na 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 sul- phide 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, wo- men’s diseases, heavy metals poisoning and also rheumatic and post-traumatic orthopedic disorders. Here was built a spa hotel „Mali- nowy 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 te- xture, Finish, steam and herbal sauna.

 Solec-Zdrój Ltd. ul. 1-go Maja 1, 28-131 Solec-Zdrój Phone/Fax +4841 377 60 17, +4841 377 60 61 www.uzdrowiskosolec.pl

 Malinowy Zdrój Hotel *** SPA with Rehabilitation Centre ul. Leśna 7, 28-131 Solec-Zdrój Phone +4841 370 40 00, Fax +4841 370 40 02 www.malinowyzdroj.pl 9 Pińczów Pińczów – the heart of Ponidzie, a place by Nida Ri- ver 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 1436. Before that, in February 1428 King Władysław Ja- giełło granted Pińczów town charter. During Reformation between 1550–51 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 Wielopol- scy Family, house on Mirów called „The Arian Printing Shop” or the only architectural remain of rich Jewish culture – a Renais- sance 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, 28-400 Pińczów, Phone/Fax +4841 357 24 72 www.muzeumitpinczow.eu

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 1723. 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’ Regio- nal Museum – and Cracow Gates preserved. At the end of June and beginning of July Szy- dłów is a meeting place for various knights’ brotherhoods to fight for the prize of „Sword of King Kazimierz Wielki”.

 Regional Museum ul. Szkolna 8, 28-225 Szydłów Phone +4841 354 53 13 www.szydlow.pl Open: Apr – Sep every day 8.00 – 18.00, Oct – March every day 8.00 – 15.30

Końskie Końskie was known already in 11th Century and initially it be- longed to Odrowąż family and then in the middle of 17th Centu- ry the village Końskie with surroundings passed into hands of Ma-

Historical Towns and Places łachowski family. Between 1220-1224 Iwo Odrowąż, Cracow Bi- shop 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 Koń- skie 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, 26-200 Końskie, Phone +4841 372 31 70 www.pttkkonskie.pl 10 Open: Mon – Fri 8.00 – 16.00, holidays after previous appointment 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 fo- ught nearby called „Chmielnik Battle” known to be one of the greatest battles in the history of 13th-Century Europe. Histo- ry 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 Cen- tury it became a place for new settlement for Sephardic Jews Places and Towns Historical 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 Centu- ry, bourgeoisie and tenements houses with arched vaults with trusses. Besides it is worth to see parish church built between 1730-1783 and erected on the place of a wooden temple a church from the 16th Century.

 Municipal and District Authorities of Chmielnik Plac Kościelny 5, 26-020 Chmielnik Phone/Fax +4841 354 32 73, +4841 354 22 78, +4841 354 21 81, +4841 354 20 29 www.chmielnik.com

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. Final- ly 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 Cen- tury 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, 26-010 Bodzentyn Phone +4841 311 50 10, +4841 311 55 11, Phone/Fax +4841 311 51 14 www.bodzentyn.ugm.pl

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 Po- land. 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. To- day 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, 26-035 Raków Phone/Fax +4841 353 50 18 www.rakow.pl 11 Nowy Korczyn Nowy Korczyn, granted town charter in 1258 by a decree of Prince Bolesław Wstydliwy and to diffe- rentiate 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 re- sulted in Nowy Korczyn situatiuon on the crossing trade routes from Cracow to Russia and from Koszyce to Sandomierz were crowned by erecting by King Kazi- mierz 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 Małopol- ska Province. After numerous devastating fires and also raids Korczyn in 17th Century declined much and in 1869 its town charter was revoked. Today Nowy Kor- czyn 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 tho- rough alteration in the 17th Century. Mannerist beautiful west facade, decorative vault with stucco and preserved fragment of Late-Gothic triptych depicting Be- wailing 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, 28-136 Nowy Korczyn Phone +4841 377 10 03, +4841 377 14 30 www.nowykorczyn.pl

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 the-

Historical Towns and Places re – Stopnica Parish Church – one of the Barycz- ka series. Built from stone blocks, the parish church has a rectangular shape with two pillars and a po- lygonal chancel. There are two chapels adjacent to the temple – Late Gothic one and an Early-Baro- que. 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 depic- ted 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 re- motely resemble former castle.

 Commune Office in Stopnica ul. Kościuszki 2, 28-130 Stopnica Phone +4841 377 98 00, +4841 377 98 10 www.stopnica.pl 12 Oblęgorek (Henryk Sienkiewicz) In Oblęgorek not far from Strawczyn there is an estate of Polish Noble Prize Win- ner – 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 1914. 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. Biographical- literary 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. History of Streams The

 Henryk Sienkiewicz Museum in Oblęgorek (Branch of National Museum in Kielce) Oblęgorek, 26-067 Strawczyn, Phone +4841 303 04 26 www.muzeumkielce.net Open: Nov – April Wed – Sun 10.00 – 16.00 May – Sept Tue – Sun 10.00 – 17.00, Oct Tue – Sun 10.00 – 16.00

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 grze- chu”, „Ludzie bezdomni” and „Puszcza Jodłowa”. In a preparation school for Seminary later Sta- te 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, adole- scent 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, 25-013 Kielce, Phone +4841 344 57 92, Fax +4841 344 82 61 www.muzeumkielce.net Open: Tue, Thur, Fri, Sun 9.00 – 15.30, Wed 11.00 – 17.30

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 Nagłowi- ce 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.

 Mikołaj Rej Manor ul. Kacpra Walewskiego 7, 28-362 Nagłowice, Phone +4841 381 45 70 www.ug-naglowice.webpark.pl Open: May – Sept Mon – Sat 8.00 – 16.00 Sun and holidays 9.0 0 – 17.00, Oct – Apr 8.00 – 16.00

Bodzechów/Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski (Witold Gombrowicz) Witold Gombrowicz – writer, dramatist and essayist – was born in Małoszyce near Opa- tów, 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” wiel- ded enormous influence on Gombrowicz works. Many literary pictures from „Pornografia”, „Ferdydyrke” or „Ślub” simply evokes Ćmielów, Brzóstowa, Grocholice, Ostrowiec Świętokrzy- ski, 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 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 Centu- ry 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 1967. 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, 26-242 Ruda Maleniecka, Phone +4841 373 11 42 www.maleniec.powiat.konskie.pl 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 initia- tor 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 Indu- strial 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, 26-200 Końskie, Phone +4841 372 02 93 Open: Tue – Sun 9.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 17.00 Nature and Technology Museum in Starachowice Nature and Technology Museum is a unique institution concerning the variety

The Streams of History 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 Indu- strial 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, 27-200 Starachowice Phone/Fax +4841 275 40 83 www.ekomuzeum.pl Open: Apr – Oct, Tue – Fri 8.00 – 18.00, Sat – Sun 12.00 – 18.00, Nov – March, Tue – Fri 8.00 – 16.00, Sat – Sun 12.00 – 16.00

Furnace in Kuźniaki On the route from Ruda Strawczyńska to Mniów it is worth to stop and see place called Kuź- niaki with interesting architecturally great furnace of former smelting plant „Jadwiga”. The furnace of a shape of truncated pyramid was operational between 1782-1897 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 slu- ice), underground canal 100-meters long and a heap of cinder by its outlet.

 Commune Office in Strawczyn ul. Żeromskiego 16, 26-067 Strawczyn, Phone +4841 303 80 02 14 www.strawczyn.pl 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 1957. By the old wooden building of the forge there is a hydrotechnical complex supplying water to propelling wheel. Kuź- nica is a museum. The Streams of History History of Streams The  Mechanical Forge Stara Kuźnica 46, 26-200 Końskie, Phone +4841 371 91 87 Open from Tue to Sun by living next to it Mr Niewęgłowski – by appointment.

Ruins of Blast-furnace Plant in Samsonów Samsonów is a small village where in 1818 by initiative of Stanisław Sta- szic 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 26-085 Miedziana Góra www.miedziana-gora.pl

Rolling Mill in Nietulisko Duże Ruins of small profile and metal sheet rolling mill in Nie- tulisko 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 1834-46 factory was carefully planned urban layout with industrial ho- using 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. De- stroyed 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.

 Municipality and Commune Office in Kunów ul. Warszawska 45 b, 27-415 Kunów Phone/Fax +4841 261 31 74, +4841 261 13 62 www.kunow.pl

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 1610-1623 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 inve- stment 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, 26-085 Miedziana Góra www.miedziana-gora.pl 15 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 Cen- tre 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 Po- st-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, 28-236 Rytwiany, Phone +4815 864 77 95 www.pustelnia.com.pl

St. John the Baptist Church in Zawichost Zawichost is a royal town situated on Early-Medieval Ruthenian trade route from We- stern 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 si- ster’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, 27-630 Zawichost, Phone +4815 836 41 15, Fax +4815 836 40 51 www.zawichost.pl

St. Joseph Collegiate Church in Klimontów

In Search of Solace Baroque St. Joseph Collegiate Church founded in 1637 by Jerzy Ossoliński on an ellip- se 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, 27-640 Klimontów, Phone +4815 866 11 00, +4815 866 10 06 http://klimontow.pl

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 1983. A year later Bishop Stanisław Sygnet consecrated picture of Pa- inful 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, di- sabled 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 Święto- krzyskie panorama.

 Painful Mother of God Sanctuary of Queen of Poland and Mother of Świętokrzyskie Land 16 Kałków-Godów 84 a, 27-225 Pawłów near Starachowice, Phone +4841 272 18 88 www.kalkow-godow.pl Cistercian Monastery in Wąchock There is a true architectural gem in Wąchock – Cistercian Abbey with best-preserved Romanesque interiors in Poland. Between 1218-1239 an Italian Ci- stercian 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 Solace of Search In 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 Lieu- tenant-Colonel Walenty Ślusarczyk.

 Museum of Cistercian Friars – Monastery in Wąchock ul. Kościelna 14, 27-215 Wąchock Phone +4841 271 50 66, Fax +4841 271 50 12 Open: May – Oct during week 9.00 – 12.00, 13.30 – 17.15, 18.00 – 20.00 Sun and church holidays 14.30 – 17.15 and by appointment; Nov – Apr during week 13.30 – 17.15 Sun and holidays 14.30 – 17.15 and by appointment

Cistercian Monastery in Jędrzejów In 1149 some French friars came to present-day Jędrzejów from Cistercian Abbey in Mori- mond 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, 28-300 Jędrzejów, Phone +4841 386 23 08

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 1615-1620.

 Eight-hundredth Anniversary Society of Cistercian Abbey in Koprzywnica ul. Krakowska 78, 27-660 Koprzywnica, Phone +4815 847 62 02 www.kuprzyszlosci.pl

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 Bron- ze 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, 27-650 Samborzec, Phone +4815 831 44 43, +4815 831 44 67 17 www.samborzec.eu 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.

 PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society) Końskie Division ul. Zamkowa 7, 26-200 Końskie Phone +4841 372 31 70 www.pttkkonskie.pl

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.

 Kielce Aeroclub – airfield in Masłów near Kielce Phone +4841 311 08 93 Fax +4841 311 07 06 www.aeroklub.kielce.pl

 Regional Aeroclub in Pińczów ul. Piłsudskiego 2 a, 28-400 Pińczów Phone +48 668 409 128 www.arp.pinczow.com

Kayaking through Ponidzie Nida, kayaks, Cretaceous sites, traces of Polish statehood, but most of all soothing pe- ace. Such attractions await anybody who goes for kayaking on Ponidzie – a huge Nida Ba- sin 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 navi- gable rivers – there are no selected places for camping – to put up a tent in one of the tourist farming farms should be no problem. In the land of strong impressions  Tourist Company „KAJAKIEM.PL” ul. Rakowska 29 28-300 Jędrzejów Phone +48 600 288 375 www.kajakiem.pl

 Kayaking ul. Pałęki 26, 28-400 Pińczów Phone/Fax +4841 357 28 11, +4841 357 20 44, +48 600 821 095

18 Hiking For tourists who like to hike with rucksacks and long, relaxing walks there are plenty op- portunities in Świętokrzyskie Region on several marked tourist routes. Totally they are about 1300-kilometers long and their diversity guarantees everybody would find something for oneself. All routes introduce in a very attractive way more-than-average natural and cultural advantages of Świętokrzyskie Region, leave unforgettable experiences and make a tourist come back in the parts. The most interesting routes are: E. Massalski Main Route: Gołoszyce – Kuź- niaki, running through Świętokrzyskie Mountains ranges, 105 kilometres long, red marks.; Red Route Gołoszyce – Annopol dedicated to the beauty of Sandomierz Land; 108 km long red marks; Grochowiska – Wiślica, leading through attractive territories of southern part of impressions strong of land the In Świętkorzyskie and Ponidzie, 90,5 km long, green marks; Kuźniaki – Pogorzałe by Skarżysko- Kamienna, historical technology route, 81 km long, blue marks; S. Kowalczewski Route: Chęciny – Cave Raj – Kielce – Karczów- ka, full of many interesting natural and historical objects, 18,5 km long, red marks.

 Information – see PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society) divisions, page 32

Biking Picturesque, one of the oldest in Europe Świętokrzyskie Mountains, Jodłowa (Fir) Forest beauty, Ponidzie landscapes, fresh waters and air, caves rocks and geological excavations – all make the region attractive. As well as Świętokrzyskie National Park and Scenic Parks of Świętokrzyskie Mountains with Landscape Parks Complex of Ponidzie, natural reserves and monuments. Full of historical monuments and tourist attractions region is becoming more and more popular amount active tourism lovers biking through Świętokrzyskie. There are marked routes for bikers – totally over 2,5 thousands-km long. The most interesting routes are: - „Tracing Technology Monuments – Kamienna Valley”, 81,5 km long, blue marks - „Forests around Włoszczowa”, 70 km long – red marks - „Through Krasna Valley”, 56 km – green marks - „Defensive architecture”, 500,5 km – black marks - „The Places of Power”, 583 km long – yellow marks - Routes around Sandomierz – „Sandomierz Landscapes” – blue 24 km, yellow 19 km, black 24 km - Witold Gombrowicz Route, 164 km long – green marks

 Information – see PTTK (Polish Tourist Country lovers’ Society) divisions, page 32

Horse riding Horse riding is more and more popular and beautiful terrains of Świętokrzyskie Region is a perfect place for it. There are about thirty horse riding centres in Świętokrzyskie Region. They organize courses, rides, carriages rides, sledge rides in winter and also hipotherapy. Selected horse riding centres:

 Horse Riding Centre Stadion Kielce ul. Kusocińskiego 61 , 25-045 Kielce, Phone/Fax +4841 361 00 07 www.centrumjezdzieckie.kielce.pl

 Horse Riding Centre „Amazonka” Borków 68, 26-021 Daleszyce, Phone +4841 317 19 92 www.amazonkaborkow.pl

 Świętokrzyskie Rehabilitation Centre Czarniecka Góra 43, 26-220 Stąporków Phone +4841 374 11 63, Fax +4841 374 11 62 http://rehabilitacjascr.pl

 Cavalry Centre in Sandomierz ul. Mokoszyńska 4, 27-600 Sandomierz, Phone +48 606 699 801 www.kawaleria.sandomierz.webpark.pl

 Horse Riding Centre „Land of Horses” Bałtów 170 a, 27-423 Bałtów Phone +4841 264 14 20-21, +48 500 029 904 www.baltow.info

 Kurozwęki Stud Ltd. ul. Kościelna 12, Kurozwęki, 28-200 Staszów Phone +4815 866 72 79 http://stadninakoni.com 19 Sielpia Sielpia Wielka lies among beautiful pine forests on Końskie Hills by Czarna Konecka reservoir. Fresh air, water and many recreation centres made Sielpia the most popular tourist place in Kielce Region. There are two islets on the lake where a tourist can go by pedal boat or kayak. For those who prefer hiking or bicycle trips around the lake there are well-marked routes. According to frequent visitors relaxation in Sielpia is not only good for body and spirit but also a good value…

 Tourist Information Point PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society) Końskie Division (page 32)

Chańcza Chańcza reservoir not so well-known becomes more and more popular as a place of active recreation. Thinning and paths cris- scross the forest around the lake – they are perfect for hiking and test of skill for mountain bike lovers in natural surroundings. The- re are perfect conditions for horse riding for advanced riders and amateurs alike. On the waters of the lake a tourist can enjoy all kinds of water sports – swimming, row on dinghies, kayaks, small boats, sail on surfing boards, sailing boats and yachts. It is also spe- edboats and motorboats allowed. The offer is complemented by accommodation and various restaurants.

 Commune Office in Raków ul. Ogrodowa 1, 26–035 Raków Phone/Fax +4841 353 50 18 www.rakow.pl

Indoors swimming pool „Perła” Indoors pool „Perła” offers a wide variety of bathing and cu- rative services – Finish sauna. Modern booking and service system provides safety and comfort. „Perła” is a typical pool for whole families, water fun for organized groups and individuals. In the basin of the pool there are devices for water massages, wild springs, wa- terfalls for neck massages and always warm, clear as crystal water. Children can play in a small pool with a water mushroom and ele- phant slide. Another „pearl” slide – a 93-meters tube is another attraction. There is also a new, extreme version of chess – water chess combining intellectual effort with fitness.

 Indoors pool „Perła” ul. Kubusia Puchatka, 26-052 Sitkówka-Nowiny Phone +4841 346 52 60, Phone/Fax +4841 346 52 70 www.perla.maximum.pl

Indoors swimming pool „Rawszczyzna” „Rawszczyzna” is one of the most advanced swimming pools in Po-

In the land of strong impressionsland with multi-functional, ten-track pool 200-230 centimeters deep with sliding bridge which helps adjust the pool to swimming competitions on shorter distances and mark the pool for water ball. The swimming pool ful- fils all the FINA requirements for international swimming competitions. It has 1500 seats and also a warm-up pool, recreation sector, regeneration sector and three football and training pitches. „Rawszczyzna” swimming pool has also Biological Regeneration and Rehabilitation Centre which offers the following forms of treatment: hydrotherapy, kinezytherapy, physiotherapy, local and wholesome kriotherapy and lightherapy.

 Indoors Swimming Pool „Rawszczyzna” ul. Mickiewicza 32, 27-400 Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Phone +4841 265 00 00, Fax +4841 267 41 03 www.mosir.ostrowiec.pl 20 White craziness Skiing is one of the most dynamically developing sport. There are over two and a half millions of skiers in Poland. They not only go to Zakopane, Szczyrk or Wisła but more and more go for a skiing escapade to Świętokrzyskie. Geography and economics of skiing slowly changes. In Kielce, on Telegraf Hill – a mountain barely two kilometers from the centre – and Pierścienica, there are well lit, and if necessary covered with artificial snow ski runs. But Kielce is not the only one place. Since 2006 there are two ski runs marked blue in Bałtów. Also in Tumlin or at the foot of Łysica in Krajno-Zagórze, there are perfect conditions for both intermediate and advanced skiers. Gentle slopes, drag lifts, downhill and cross-country runs are true attraction for ski or snow- board lovers. In the land of strong impressions strong of land the In

 „Szwajcaria Bałtowska”  Skiing Centre Otrocz Mountain (372 m.a.s.l.) Bałtów, Phone +4841 264 14 20 Niestachów, Phone +4841 302 10 48, +48 664 978 173 www.szwajcariabaltowska.pl www.niestachow.pl Two runs – 340 and 570 m, 50 – 70 m wide 4 ski lifts: level difference 65m. Lightning system and - 450 m, level difference 65 m, average slope 15% artificial snow. Restaurants, rent and service, parking. - 430 m, level difference 61 m, average slope 15% Open: 9.00 – 21.00 - 150 m, level difference 20 m, average slope 12% - 80 m, level difference 6 m, average slope 10%  Bodzentyn – Miejska Mountain (426 m.a.s.l.) Ski slopes lit, snowed and maintained. Equipment Phone +48 608 324 114, +48 606 259 272 rental, bar, parkings. 600 m drag lift, level difference 95 m. Slope lit Open: 10.00 – 22.00 snowed, maintained. Inn, parking. Open: 10.00 – 22.00  Ski lift on Wykieńska Mountain (409 m.a.s.l.) Tumlin-Podgród 43 b, 26-085 Miedziana Góra  Ski drag lift on Telegraf Mountain Phone +4841 303 49 82 (406 m.a.s.l.) in Kielce www.tumlin-ski.prv.pl ul. Narciarska 6, 25-214 Kielce Ski lift, 500 m run, 42 m wide, level difference 79 m. Phone +4841 368 74 26 Artificial lightning and snow. www.rekreacja.kielce.pl Open: 9.00 – 22.00 Double drag ski lift 500 m run, 40 m wide level difference 100 m. Lightning, snowed,  Skiing station „Widełki” (408 m.a.s.l.) maintained Inn, service and rent, skiing school, parking. Widełki, 26-021 Daleszyce, Phone +48 668 147 040 Open: 10.00 – 22.00 www.widelki.yoyo.pl Single drag lift, 650 m run, 54 m wide,  Ski lift on Pierścienica Mountain level difference 104 m. Artificial lightning (367 m.a.s.l) in Kielce Open: 10.00 – 19.00, weekends 10.00 – 21.00 ul. Kusocińskiego, Stadion Leśny, Kielce Phone +4841 368 74 26 www.rekreacja.kielce.pl Double drag ski lift, 500 m run, 22 – 50 m wide, level difference 58 m. Artificial lightning and snow. Bar, service and rent, ski skiing school. Open: 10.00 – 22.00

 Winter Sports Centre SABAT Krajno-Zagórze Phone +4841 312 77 11, +48 602 217 920 http://sabatkrajno.fm.interia.pl Two single drag lifts, 1000 m run 60 – 100 m wide, level difference 95 m. Artificial lightning and snow, maintenance. Inn, equipment rental, instructors, parking. Open: 9.00 – 22.00

 Drag ski lift on Radostowa Mountain (451 m.a.s.l. ) www.radostowa.ikielce.pl Drag ski lift, 800 m run, 50 – 200 m wide level difference 105 m. Artificial light and snow. Open: 9.00 until last customer.

21 Agritourism The farm tourism offer of Świętokrzyskie Region is very rich and varied. -Nu merous tourists farm in the most beautiful spots of the region offer a tourist good-value accommodation, regional cuisine and other attractions. Hosts take care of high standards and help to organize trips around. Still alive folk culture and multitude of traditions of Świętokrzyskie village would interest everybody who decided to stay for shorter or longer period of time here. And it is worth because due to open borders and free travel and farm tourism popularity attract many visitors from Europe. Information on Agritourist Societies.  Świętokrzyskie Federation of Agritourism and Rural Tourism „Ziemia Świętokrzyska” („Świętokrzyskie Land”)  Agritourism Society „Wypoczynek” ul. Chopina 15/3, 25-356 Kielce ul. 1-go Maja 37, 29-120 Kluczewsko Phone +4815 832 01 16, +4815 832 01 17 Phone +4844 781 42 79 http://agroturystyka-swietokrzyskie.pl www.kluczewsko.gmina.pl  Society of Hospitable and Ecological Farms  Hospitable Farms Society „Nad Zalewem Chańcza” „Cis” in Morawica („Chańcza Resorvoir”) ul. Kielecka 38, 26-026 Morawica Korytnica 46, 28-225 Szydłów Phone +4841 353 83 91, +4841 887 867 327 www.agrowakacje.pl/cis Phone +4841 354 51 65, +48 508 764 766 www.wakacje.agro.pl/korytnica/  Agritourism Society of Fish Farmers „Borowiec” Śladków Mały 98, 26-020 Chmielnik  Development Society of Łagów Commune Phone +4841 354 39 29 ul. Słupska 3, 26-025 Łagów http://agroturystyka-swietokrzyskie.pl Phone +4841 307 40 76 http://agroturystyka-swietokrzyskie.pl  Busko-Zdrój Agritourism Society „Relax” Siesławice 193, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój  Agritourism Society „Nad Czarną” Phone +4841 378 47 68, +48 608 496 163 („By Czarna River“) in Ruda Maleniecka Home climate www.umig.busko.pl Gruszka 5, 26-230 Radoszyce Phone +4841 373 61 28  Agritourism Society „Dolina Czarnej” („Czarna Valley”) ul. Sienieńskiego 6, 26-035 Raków  Agritourism Society „Ponidzie“ Phone +48 607 305 393, +48 516 048 069 Chroberz 134, 28-425 Złota Pińczowska http://agroturystyka-swietokrzyskie.pl Phone +4841 356 42 26, +48 602 640 563  Agritourism Society of Daleszyce Commune „Żeremie“  Society of Rural Tourism „W krainie latających Podmarzysz 4 e, 26-021 Daleszyce czarownic” („In the Land of Flying Witches“) Phone/Fax +4841 317 14 15, +48 503 861 078 Phone +4841 311 22 64, +4841 272 27 81, http://agroturystyka-swietokrzyskie.pl +4841 312 02 85  Agritourism Society of Solec-Zdrój Commune www.czarownice.com.pl „Źródło Zdrowia” (Source of Health)  Agritourism Society in Śladków „Dolina Sanicy” ul. Szkolna 12, 28-131 Solec-Zdrój („Sanica Valley“) Phone +4841 377 61 59, +48 514 855 910 Śladków Mały 25, 26-020 Chmielnik www.uhenryka.pl Phone +4841 354 27 78, +48 723 467 955  Agritourism Society „Wierna Rzeka” in Piekoszów www.wakacje.agro.pl/dolinasanicy ul. Kolejowa 2, 26-065 Piekoszów, Phone +4841 306 10 81 www.sladkow.agrowczasy.com www.piekoszow.pl  Świętokrzyskie Agritourism Society „Łysogóry”  Agritourism Society „Wisła – San” Trzcianka 22, 26-006 Nowa Słupia ul. Mokoszyńska 3, 27-600 Sandomierz Phone +4841 317 81 85 Phone +4815 833 31 00 to 04 int. 48, +4815 824 38 73 www.lysogory.agrowczasy.com Świętokrzyskie tidbits Świętokrzyskie is a gourmet paradise. Dzionie, Kasioki, Byki, Pasternocek, Spyrok, Pasztet Kurozwęcki, Pokrzywianka, Bomby, Sośniak or Bzówka have nothing to do with industrial food production, unified smells or tastes. Each of those dishes, often of very original name, has its own history and tradition passed from generation to generation. Every one of them is a unique speciality with a guarantee of new, unknown taste and smell experiences. Various, nutritious dishes made from natural products are inseparable element of rich regional heritage. Świętokrzyskie is a region where dishes from cabbage, potatoes, groats, milk are very popular. There are dishes and preserves which cannot be found in popular cook books. They are usually cooked in farms for their own purposes or to be sold on a market. They are singled out by natural making and processing. Their distinguished features are also provided by natural environment and local herbs or meat from animals used. Świętokrzyskie tidbits are important heritage and tasty showpiece of the region ...

 Świętokrzyskie Farming Educational Centre in Modliszewice ul. Piotrkowska 30, Modliszewice, 26-200 Końskie Phone +4841 372 22 84 to 86, Fax +4841 372 34 86 22 www.sodr.pl Tokarnia – the Ethnographical Park of the Kielce Village Museum On the way from Kielce to Cracow there is beautifully set Ethnographical Park – the Museum of Kielce Village. It was established in 1977 as an open-air museum and still is one of the biggest institutions of such type in Poland. Vast area enabled to create distant and visibly distinctive sectors: small town building, manor farm, upland and Świętokrzyskie building. There is a Mother of God Consolation Church erected in 1761 in Rogów by the Vistula River and removed here. By the church there is a house of organist from Bieliny in which Home climate Home 19th Century tailor’s shop was installed and a chemists’ from the same period of time. In „manor sector” the most interesting building is lower-gentry wooden, shingled-roofed manor from Suchedniów from 1812. In the backyard of the manor there is a century older, wooden granary from Złota with exhibition of farming tools. Walking through open-air exhibition one cannot miss a cottage from Bukowska Wola with huge coach house with the exhibition of an excellent folk artist Jan Bernasiewicz. Other curiosities are lead smelting position, shrine and saint figures. There is also an Exhibition of Horse-drawn Car- riages of Kielce Court and Country. In Tokarnia open-air exhibition there are some folk festivities organized connected with its character.

 Ethnographical Park – The Museum of Kielce Village Tokarnia 303, 26-060 Chęciny, Phone +4841 315 41 71 www.mwk.com.pl Open: Nov – March Tue – Sun 9.00 – 15.00 April Tue – Sun 9.00 – 16.00, May – June Mon – Sun 9.00 – 18.00 July – August Tue – Sun 10.00 – 18.00, Sept Mon – Fri 9.00 – 17.00 Sat – Sun 10.00 – 18.00, Oct Mon – Fri 9.00 – 17.00 Sat – Sun 10.00 – 17.00

Pottery Tradition Centre Chałupki is a small village situated 18 kilometers south from Kielce in Morawica Commune. The village has its pottery tradition since middle of 16th century with some craft secrets passed from generation to generation. Chałupki, as a pottery centre, had its glory days by the end of 19th century – there were 69 pottery shops in the small village. Usu- ally whole families took up the rare craft. To protect such valuable for folk culture place in 1988 the decision was made to create Pottery Tradition Centre in Chałupki. The visitors can admire pottery ware made by local masters. There is an ethnographical fair held annually in the Pottery Tradition Centre in Chałupki. There is an exhibition of various pottery goods – bowls, flowerpots, vases but also colanders, pots and pans and also a great attraction of watching production process and possibility to have a go in pottery. „Chałup- kowe Garncynki” are accompanied by concerts of local bands, display of making pots and figurines, sculptures and pottery fair and competition for the most beautiful pottery work made by children.

 Pottery Tradition Centre ul. Ceramiczna 13,Chałupki, 26-026 Morawica Phone +4841 311 87 02 Open: Tue – Sun 10.00 – 16.00, Mondays after previous arrangement

Axe Museum In the heart of Świętokrzyskie Mountains, not far from Bodzentyn there is Axe Museum run by Adolf Kudliński, who has been collecting axes for 25 years. He has manage to collect over 2500 items: maces, axes, hatchets and spears. The oldest in the collection is dated for 1720-1730. All are exposed in a small castle which was built on the place of a shelter from the period of January Uprising. Adolf Kudliński runs also smith- shops and courses of smithery and armour making. But axes and smith shop are not the only attractions in his farm. Continuing the family tradition he is also famous herbalist. He produces Ćmaga Świętokrzyska – an elixir made of herbs and wine for indigestion and respiratory tract disorders. He breeds rabbits and Hucul horses. He also built a pyramid – 50 times smaller model of Cheops Pyramid in Egypt.

 The Axe Museum (Agritourist Farm of Mr Kudliński) Orzechówka 16, 26-010 Bodzentyn, Phone +4841 312 00 18, +48 603 427 282 www.orzechowka.com Open every day 9.00 – 16.00 23 Narrow – Gauge Starachowice Railway Narrow-gauge railway route from Starachowice - Iłża was established in 1950. The 750 - millimeters- wide rails linked Blast Furnace of Sta- rachowice with a sawmill on Bugaj, iron ore mines and various wood holds. It carried mainly iron ore, wood and lime and also commuters from Starachowice factories and plants. In 1986 the passengers’ transport was closed. By the mid nineties there were some cargo and tourist trains. In 1993 the line was registered as a historical monument. The Foundation of Polish Narrow-Gauge Railways in spring 2004 regained weekend connection on 6-kilometers route Starachowice – Lipie. Since 2008 the operator of the railway is Żuławska Local Train Society. Today the initial station of Narrow-Gauge Starachowice Railway is, as before, in the oldest part of Starachowice – Wierzbnik. It is not far from here to the complex of the old blast furnace which today hosts the Museum of Nature and Technology. It is the typical start of six-kilometers tourist route through Iłża Forest, Młynówka Valley to a village in the middle of the forest, Lipie with recreation ground with places for relax and barbecue. In the surroundings of Lipie and Dębowa Góra there are interesting forest tourists routes.

 Narrow – Gauge Starachowice Railway ul. Targowa 17, 27-200 Starachowice Phone +4841 271 81 95, +48 607 101 772, +48 661 095 436 http://skw.org.pl

Ponidzie Choo-choo Expres Narrow-gauge railway „Ponidzie Choo-choo Expres” has been operational since 1992. The history of Jędrzejow- ska Railway is much longer and it starts the time of the First World War. Trip through Ponidzie by the narrow-gauge railway with characteristic wheels rattle and rocking of the carriages gives unforgettable impressions and is a must-see of every trip to Pińczów. It does not matter that only 104 kilometers of the route net remained of former 340 kilometers of Jędrzejów Local Railway. Presently the open route is 36 kilometers long. The low milage is compensated by its unique route, enchanting surroundings and historically as well as naturally interesting places. The important stop of Świętokrzyskie Local Railway is Umianowice. It is a place frequently visited by tourists for picnic and partying, where bonfire, various events and campings are organized on the railway route.

 Świętokrzyskie Local Railway „PONIDZIE CHOO-CHOO EXPRES” ul. Dojazd 1, 28-300 Jędrzejów Travels with passion Travels Phone +4841 386 22 55 www.ciuchcia.eu

Garden „Na Rozstajach” (On Crossroads) in Młodzawy Not so far from Pińczów, in Młodzawy there is the only one private botanical garden in Świętokrzyskie Region established in 1993 by a sculptor artist Tadeusz Kurczyna. Hidden in fabulous Ponidzie landscape on a hilly ground among over-hundred-years-old trees the garden is situated on one hectare. There are over two thousands of trees, bushes, perennials and rare exotic plants. One of its attractions are small ponds with rich collection of yellow water lilies. The garden panorama is clearly visible from special beauty spots. Another curiosity is a great number of fowl – black stork, still rare white and colour peacocks, black and white swans and various species of ducks, parrots and pheasants. The Garden on Crossroads its a paradise on earth and pride of our region. Annually there are about six thousands visitors.

 Garden „Na Rozstajach” (On Crossroads) Młodzawy Małe 17, 28-400 Pińczów, Phone +4841 357 92 65 www.ogrodnarozstajach.pl Open: April – October Sat – Sun and holidays 9.00 – 19.00

Nature Paths Reasonably low Świętokrzyskie Mountains with their landscape qualities make create favourable conditions for hiking. Świętokrzyskie nature paths lead through charming beauty spots of the region of unique landscape, historical and cultural values. Going through „From Hell to Heaven”, „Alley of Old Trees”, in Chroberz, on the top of Łysa Mo- untain and Święty Krzyż (Holy Cross) or through natural path in Sitkówka-Nowiny, eve- rywhere we would have interesting nature spots, forest and florist reserves, natural monuments of great importance. Whereas reliable knowledge about nature can be provided by Educational Centre of Świętokrzyskie Natural Park in Bodzentyn.

 Educational Centre of Świętokrzyskie National Park ul. Suchedniowska 4, 26-010 Bodzentyn, Phone +4841 311 51 06 www.swietokrzyskipn.org.pl Regional Authorities of National Forests www.radom.lasy.gov.pl 24 Information branches, see page 32 – PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society) Knight Tournament for „Sabre of Krzysztof Baldwin Ossoliński” The knight tournament on Ujazd castle for sabre of Krzysztof Baldwin Ossoliński has been held since 1997. Every year there are heavy combats according to set regulations with meticulously rituals and those who fight horseback or on foot in single or group combat must demonstrate incredible fitness and skill to wield a weapon. Annually on settlement outside the castle there is an en masse rally. They all camp there and check the troops and arms, show their drill and fencing and on the castle courtyard there are fencing duels, archery and cross-bow competitions. Around merchants and armourers’ stalls but also around chamber of tortures there are plebeian feasts and gun salutes and music reverberate in the air. Apart from immersing into the history, and watching knights clashes, a tourist can see on Krzyżtopór castle professio- In the Rhythm of History nal dances from the period and have a good meal. Extremely spectacular ending of the whole event is staging of battle with Swedish troops and display of fireworks enlightening Krzyżtopór castle.

 Cultural Institution Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd Ujazd 73, 27-570 Iwaniska, Phone +4815 860 11 33 www.krzyztopor.eu

International Knight Tournament for Zawisza Czarny Sword The knight tournament for the sword of the most excellent knight of Medieval Europe from Garbów - Zawisza Czarny every year gathers gallant knights in Sandomierz but also bards, min- strels and troubadours. Colourful procession of mounted knights and those on foot led by Zawisza Czarny himself assisted by ladies-in-waiting and pages goes through Sandomierz Old Town to start fierce fights after the parade. To fight with swords and axes, to compete with bows and cross-bows. Sandomierski Land Knighthood Company – the first knights’ brotherhood in Poland, co-organizer of the event prepare interesting display of tactics and techniques of 15th – century armed for- mations: halberdiers and pikemen and ancient artillery. The tournament is accompanied by knights’ races with lances, „live chess” and soothing the battle clash the music from the period. The To- urnament for Zawisza Czarny Sword is a true feast for all lovers of knighthood and court culture.

 Municipality Sandomierz Plac Poniatowskiego 3, 27-600 Sandomierz, Phone +4815 644 01 00, +4815 644 01 07 www.sandomierz.pl

Meetings with Jewish Culture The history and culture of Świętokrzyskie Region for ages was co-created by Jewish communi- ty. Conglomerate of Polish folklore, local customs and Jewish traditions gave both small settlements as much as towns like Pińczów, Szydłów, Jędrzejów or Chmielnik a specific character. And indeed in Chmielnik a successful attempt to recreate old look and climate of a Jewish town was undertaken by organization of annual (since 2003) „Meetings with Jewish Culture”. Colourful and of a grand scale event help to create stronger bonds with a place of birth, its cultural heritage and many-years process of interpenetration of cultures on this territory. During the Meetings there are presented four exhibitions of ceramics, sculpture, photography and painting. The Market Place of Chmielnik and surrounding alleys are full of stylish stands with groceries characteristic for Jewish cuisine (bread) and in the local Cultural Centre there are served some Jewish dishes like roasted goose, kugiel, fish, ciulent. The- re are concerts of klezmer bands, presentation of children from Chmielnik schools and Jewish dances.

 Chmielnik Cultural Centre ul. Starobuska 10, 26-020 Chmielnik, Phone +4841 354 23 97 www.chmielnickie.ck.prv.pl

Plum Feast Usually in the last decade of August a plum becomes a real celebrity in Szydłów. Around it and on it the attention of visitors focuses as well as events taking place on courtyard of Kazimierzowski castle – presentations, competitions and concerts. Szydłów seems to be a capital of Polish plum in those days. There are over twenty kinds of this fruit are being cultivated in the region. The Plum Feast – included to celebration of Szydłów Days – of the fruit which became a symbol of the commune helps to promote it. Ripe plums, prunes, plum jams and other preserves and also made by an old recipe, plum vodka make the town and region famous. There are many attractions waiting for participants of plum feast: plum and plum preserves savouring, the show of ancient ways of drying them „on sticks”, exhibitions of fruit farming equipment, pesticides and sales of handicraft folk products and concerts of famous show-business stars.

 Commune Office in Szydłów ul. Rynek 2, 28-225 Szydłów, Phone/Fax +4841 354 51 25 25 www.szydlow.pl Świętokrzyskie Dymarki For over 40 years in the middle of a road between Kielce and Ostrowiec, by the end of summer holidays ancient smelting furnaces still smoke in Nowa Słupia. Modern metallurgists – history lovers – recreate full cycle of iron smelting from Iron Age – 2000 years ago – in one of the oldest in Europe smelting site. The participants of the event exploitation and preparation of the ore and charcoal‚ building of ground furnaces (called dymarki)‚ smelting in hearth furnaces and forging of tools and jewellery. Presentation is usually bolstered by scientific description of archeologists and metallurgists.

 Commune Cultural Centre in Nowa Słupia, Rudki office ul. Staszica 8, 26-006 Nowa Słupia Phone +4841 317 76 04, +48 605 949 793 www.dymarki.pl

Żelazne Korzenie (Iron Roots) Since 2004 on the grounds of Nature and Technology Museum in Starachowi- ce there is an event organized under the name of „Iron Roots” to introduce the rich- ness of material and spiritual culture of people living in Polish land in Roman times. Prepared displays faithfully recreate living conditions in a settlement of that time and ancient smelting – iron production in hearth shaft furnaces – is one of the many ele- ments of the event. Many craftsmen present their skills during the event – blacksmiths, potters, weavers, dyers, shoemakers, goldsmiths and even plaiting artists. Roman coins are minted, glass beads are made, one can see herbalists, archers, hunters at work, even scribes. There are some combats of Roman legionaries with barbarians and visitors can have a crash course in fencing. „Iron Roots” guarantee cutting off of modern civilization rush and temporary, although controlled, plunge into the atmosphere and reality of ancient times.

 Nature and Technology Museum Jan Pazdur Ecomuseum (see page 14)

Kuźnice Koneckie Kuźnice Koneckie is a promotional event with main aim to expose industrial historical items and industrial tradition of Końskie region. Organized since the beginning of the century it became a showpiece of the land. The events take place in Maleniec on the grounds of Historical Smelting Plant, in Museum of the Old-Polish Industrial Centre and in Sielpia and Stara Kuźnica, – the only Polish forge driven by water wheel with real bellows and big hammer. Setting the big wheel into movement, minting of occasional coins but also displays of firing cannons and muskets are not the only attractions awa- iting tourists. Kuźnice gives exceptional to get to know and to experience difficult craft

In the Rhythm of Tradition of a blacksmith, iron caster, cooper or wheel maker. There is also interesting artistic program and historical events reconstruction to top up the whole game.

 Commune Office in Końskie ul. Staszica 2, 26-200 Końskie, Phone +4841 372 41 34 www.powiat.konskie.pl

Lead Smelting Always by the end of June in the beginning of summer on the ground of Ethnographi- cal Park in Tokarnia there is a fete „Lead Smelting” corresponding to seven-centuries tradition of Chęciny ore mining. The main part of the event is lead smelting and minting occasional medals on specially prepared workstation. It is accompanied by making of wood tar and ancient pottery. The whole-day event is full of many attractions – traditional and folk bands concerts, ritual displays, interactive cooper workshops, shingle making, pottery, car- pentry, ritual arts, plaiting, toy making. There is also a traditional art fair, savouring of regional cuisine, horse riding, pony riding and in an open carriage with folding top, visiting of the exhibition of the Ethnographical Park and a fair.

 The Museum of Kielce Village – Ethnographical Park in Tokarnia by Chęciny (see page 23)

26 Live Porcelain Museum A castle of Royal Treasurer Jakub Szydłowiecki was built in Ćmielów, famous even in 14th century. But neither the castle itself nor its residents made the town famous but local potters given in 1750 by King August III a privilege to sell their goods in all country. Count Jacek Małachowski used local traditions, skilful craftsmen and raw material to establish in the beginning of 19th century a manufactory of porcelain and faience. Thus the history of Ćmielów plant „Świt” and after that Fabryka Porcelany AS (AS Porcelain Manufacturer) in Ćmielów begun. The main attraction of Ćmie- lów is most of all the Live Porcelain Museum where a visitor can get to Unknown and Known know with the process of porcelain production, see the modern collection of figurative porcelain or see a movie about Ćmielów in a 22-meters old furnace. It is quite unconventional place for a theatre with unique atmosphere and giving unforgettable experiences.

 Live Porcelain Museum ul. Sandomierska 243, 27-440 Ćmielów, Phone +4815 861 20 21 www.as.cmielow.com.pl Open: May – Sept Mon – Sat 8.00 – 17.00 Fossils and Minerals Museum By the foot of Łysica Mountain, in the heart of Świętokrzyskie Mountains there is a town of Święta Katarzyna. There are plenty of gems and stones, metal ores and fossils there. There is one-hundred-kilo crystal, rubies, emeralds and gems from all over the world. The- re is also Świętokrzyskie stripped flint. All of them in spacious, well-lit and described displays. All of them in the first and the only one in Świętokrzyskie Region private Fossils and Minerals Museum – enchanted world of rocks, minerals and fossils.

 Fossils and Minerals Museum ul. Kielecka 20, Św. Katarzyna, 26-010 Bodzentyn Phone +4841 311 21 16, +48 501 282 697 www.swkatarzyna-muzeum.pl Open: Mon – Sat 9.00 – 19.00, Sun 10.00 – 19.00

The Museum of Horse-drawn Carriages of Kielce Court and Village Who ever remembers them? Who could mistake a coachman with modern professional driver? The Museum of Horse-drawn Carriages of Kielce Court and Villa- ge in Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia is such an oasis with old carriages and cabs. In the Museum based on part of collection of Jan Wzorek from Krajno there is a cab in which his great-grandfather – coachman – drove Żeromski, there is an open-top carriage from Warszawa Uprising, scout carriage of division of Major „Ponury”, city carriage Milord or four-wheeled fire engine with firefighting pump. Every car has its history, every one, absolutely with a shaft, is a construction masterpiece with numerous lamps, break or without break, hard or sprung carriage wheels with hatch- back, estate car or convertible. It is worth seeing the means of transport of a peasant, burger or a noble.  The Museum of Kielce Village – Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia by Chęciny (see page 23)

White Eagle Museum Fighter planes, tanks, assault cannons, rocket artillery, and even an MTB stand on the exposition ground before building of White Eagle Museum in Skarżysko-Kamien- na. The institution has one of the biggest collection in Poland from the Second World War and post-war heavy military equipment. Almost two-hectares of open-air permanent exposition with airplanes with the biggest transport Ił-14, tanks with two complete T-34, anti-aircraft and self-propelled guns. In the former building of dispatcher of iron- works „Rejów”, in museum rooms there are presented keepsakes from the 1939 Sep- tember Campaign and exhibit items documenting martyrdom of inhabitants of Skarży- sko-Kamienna and partisans’ movement in Kielce Region from the Second World War. The separate hall is dedicated to history of Skarżysko-Kamienna.

 White Eagle Museum ul. Słoneczna 90, 26-110 Skarżysko-Kamienna, Phone +4841 252 02 31 www.orzelbialy.dmkhosting.com, http://orzelbialy.skarzysko.org Open: Sep – April Mon – Sun 8.00 – 19.00 May – July Mon – Sun 8.00 – 20.00 27 European Fairy Tale Centre They say that it is hard to get to Pacanów where „there are blacksmiths so smart, they can shoe a goat”. A peculiar chronicle of such a trip of very amiable, credulous, funny and little bit bumbling traveler – a goat Koziołek-Matołek – who wanders around the world to reach Pacanów was written in 1933 by Kornel Makuszyński, and illustrated by Marian Walentynowicz. Until today it is not cer- tain that dressed in red shorts Koziołek „wise head” reached Pacanów. There are some premises that he might have succeeded because there is his statue on Pacanów Market Square and the goat himself dreaming of having his hooves shoed became a patron of Festival of Children Culture. Today it is a cult figure of Polish childrens’ literature – even if he did not make it he would remain forever in Pacanów and not only under his wooden roof. In mid 2010 in Pacanów there would start a building of European Fairy Tale Centre – modern institution for children with museum, library, reading room, cinema and theatre, workshops and book shop. Around the building there is going to be an ecological garden with a pond, amphitheatre and a blacksmiths to commemorate famous skilful Pacanów smiths.

 Koziołek Matołek European Fairy Tale Centre ul. Słupska 31, 28-133 Pacanów, Phone +4841 376 50 88 www.pacanow.eu The Land of Świętokrzyskie Legends „The Land of Świętokrzyskie Legends” is an interesting interactive offer of open-air games based on variety of legends and folk tales of Świętokrzyskie Region. The route of the games is usually 2-3 kilometers long and leads through interesting spots of Świę- tokrzyskie Mountains: dark, mysterious backwoods and picturesque fields and meadows. During their trip tourists meet some strange figures: hermit monks wandering through local paths and converting locals for Christian faith; beautiful witches casting spells; wise herbalists giving some good advises; Mokosz goddess or robber Kak looking for his beloved. Sometimes it is Leszy, who protects woods from bad people; Płanetnik evoking hail and heavy rains; Południca abducting reapers going to field in midday; vicious mischievous Licho, and Błędnice misleading lost travelers. In each game there are about 30 characters taking part which increases game intensity and provides some educational and integration aspects. Open-air games end with a bonfire where legendary characters entertain participants and serve local dishes: blood pudding from hellish cauldron, robber’s Kak gołki, devils’ cakes and coven tidbits.

 Local Tourist Organization „Kraina Legend Świętokrzyskich” („The Land of Świętokrzyskie Legends”) ul. Partyzantów 17, 26-004 Bieliny, Phone +4841 302 50 94 www.lot.bieliny.pl

Known and Unknown Krystyna Jamroz Music Festival She made Busko-Zdrój famous in Poland and Poland in the world. Nature gave her strong, beautiful dramatic soprano, musicality, beauty and acting talent. She was born in Busko-Zdrój, brought up here and started her adventure with music by taking piano lessons. The star of Polish and foreign opera houses, a true artistic personality – Krystyna Jamroz. In the fifth anniversary of her death on 9th of July 1991 the concert to commemorate „Busko Nightingale”, as she was often called, was organized in Busko-Zdrój. It gave the beginning of festival of classical music of world-range. Every year it gathers renown Polish and foreign musicians, conductors and singers. The program of the festival – held under her name – make symphonic, chamber concerts, masters’ recitals, opera galas, oratorios and concerts of lighter music. Festival concerts take place in Busko Cultural Centre, Marconi Sanatorium, in the churches of Immaculate Conception of Holy Virgin Mary and St Brother Albert and on park promenade.

 Local-Government Cultural Centre in Busko-Zdrój Al. Mickiewicza 22, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój, Phone/Fax +4841 378 23 19

Kupała Days in Świętokrzyskie Fairs, concerts, artistic events, performances, competitions, games and rallies, agi- lity competitions, tournaments and displays, bonfires and setting wreaths on water, song and dance – this is description of bacchic feast of the shortest night in Świę- tokrzyskie. Under a common motto „Welcome summer in Świętokrzyskie”, with a pinch of magic and tradition but also some marketing promotions for the region since 2004 there is organized many-days annual regional feast held in many places – Świętokrzyskie Kupała Days. So many, so different events guarantee that everyone finds there something interesting and greatly increases the chances – for those who seek – to find a handsome bride or groom or at least legendary fern flower.

 Fundation Regionalis ul. Zbożowa 4, 25-416 Kielce, Phone +4841 344 38 77 28 www.kupala.pl Świętokrzyskie National Park „King’s, Prince’s, Bishops’, peasants’ forest is to be remained forever and ever as unto- uchable woods, walked through by sacred stag, anchorites’ sanctuary, deep breath of the earth and song of eternity!” These were the words about Świętokrzyskie nature written by its admirer and advocate of governmental protection of the land – Stefan Żeromski, whose name was given in 1922 to new National Park. Formally Świętokrzyskie Natio- nal Park consisted of Łysogóry Range with the top mountain, Łysica (612 m.a.s.l.), part of Klonowski Range, Wilkowska and Dębniańska Valleys, and also two enclaves: Cheł- mowa Mountain and Serwis Forest was established in 1950. The Park is situated on 7626,45 hectares including 1741 hectares of strict protection area. It is dominated by fir, Region Świętokrzyskie Green larch, pine and beech trees. And indeed the primal fir-beech woods and under-top quartz rock debris or boulder fields are the biggest curiosity of the park. For many, equal- ly attractive, even exciting can be a meeting with pine marten, bat, smooth snake, blin- dworm, adder, grass snake, triton or green toad. There are some interesting spiders here, although one of the species, living on Łysica only – Leptyphantes midas – cannot be easi- ly spotted by an average tourist. Świętokrzyskie National Park is crisscrossed with various foot routes totally over 30 kilometres long. None of them bypasses Łysa Góra, Świę- tokrzyskie Monastery of Benedictines, boulder fields nor a nature exhibition of Święto- krzyskie National Park.

 Park Management and Educational Centre of Świętokrzyskie National Park ul. Suchedniowska 4, 26-010 Bodzentyn, Phone +4841 311 51 06 www.swietokrzyskipn.org.pl

Landscape Parks Landscape Parks were established for their exceptional natural, historical, cultural and most of all landscape values of particular area. Mostly the serve function of external layer and supplement of existing forms of protection. Between 1986 and 1996 there were nine areas of the highest protection status in Świętokrzyskie Region. Świętokrzyskie landscape parks situated within two geographic lands – Świętokrzyskie Mountains and Nida Basin. Every park has specific natural, landscape , historical and cultural features besides depending on substrate and lie of the land, fauna and flora and ways of surroundings development. Świętokrzyskie and Nadnidziańskie Landscape Parks Complex includes the following: 1. Cisowsko-Orłowiński Landscape Park including Cisowskie, Orłowińskie and Ociesęckie Ranges. There is a complex of protected marsh flora in two peat-bog reserves: „Białe Ługi”, „Słopiec” and a part of natural forests on Cisowkie Range – in reserves „Zamczy- sko” and „Cisów”. 2. Jeleniowski Landscape Park includes mountain Jeleniowskie Range and valleys of Dobrucha and Pokrzywianka Rivers. The park is definitely of mountain character. The biggest natural curiosity of the park are debris of quartz limestones called gołoborza (boulder fields), protected in three reserves: „Szczytniak”, „Małe Gołoborze”, „Góra Jeleniowska”. The fourth reserve – „Wąwóz w Skałach” – is of different character. Here are protected natural grass and xerophilous thickets. 3. Sieradowicki Landscape Park is situated between the valley of Kamienna River and Bodzentyńska Valley with a forest complex of Siekierzyńskie Forests being a part of former Świętokrzyskie Forest. 4. Suchedniowsko-Oblęgorski Landscape Park includes Suchedniowski Plateau and Oblęgorskie Range. The park was establish to protect unique natural assets and remains of Old-Polish Industrial Centre. 5. Chęcińsko-Kielecki Landscape Park lies in south-west part of Świętokrzyskie Mountains between Łośnia and Bobrza Rivers. It was established on area that used to be intensively exploited as a quarry and it mostly caused exposal of exceptional unique examples of inanimate nature – there are rocks from almost every geological periods – from Cambrian period to Holocene. 6. Nadnidziański Landscape Park includes middle and lower fragment of Nida River valley, Solec Basin and north-west part of Pińczów Prominence. The park was establish to preserve and protect of natural assets of, among other things, gypsum series creating a unique complex of phenomena and forms of gypsum carsum. Characteristic element of its landscape is Nida River Valley with numerous meanders and old-river parts being an important ecological corridor and water- marsh fowl sanctuary. 7. Szaniecki Landscape Park includes the middle part of Pińczów Prominence and Szaniecki Plateau. In one established reserve „Owczary” natural inland halophile flora of saltbush family: sea scripus, spreading meadow grass, spear-leaved fat hen saltbush, dentated meliot and dragon’s teeth. 8. Kozubowski Landscape Park is situated within Nida Basin. It includes the western part of Wodzisławski Prominence. It is a territory of exquisite landscape and natural value with variable lie of the land and chalk substratum covered with loess. It is a forested area with some picturesque hamlets among woods and fields. The main curiosity of the park is „Polana Polichno” with marsh pea vine (the only position in Poland) and the biggest of Polish beetles – common stag beetle. 9. Przedborski Landscape Park is spread from Czarna Włoszczowska River valley in the south to northern part of Przedborsko-Małogoskie Range. There are interesting forest ecosystems with majority of pine stand. There are some interesting natural object in the park and on its borders: larches and old oaks and European Globeflower in Gustawów natural reserve.

 Świętokrzyskie and Nadnidziańskie Landscape Parks Complex ul. Łódzka 244, 25-655 Kielce, Phone/Fax +4841 345 58 80 www.pk.kielce.pl 29 Piekło (Hell) Rocks by Niekłań There is Raj (Paradise) in Świętokrzyskie, there is also Piekło (Hell), even couple of them. The most enchanting is one in natural reserve Piekło (Hell) Rocks by Niekłań on Stąporków commune territory. It includes six hectares of mixed woods and a complex of picturesque rocks – weathered limestone. Modeled by changing climate conditions they take shapes of fantastic rock mushrooms, she- lves and pillars from 2 to 8 meters. Once upon a time by order of Lucifer himself Świętokrzyskie devils did their penance. Since the penance was not very se- vere they frolicked about at night – the devils were removing rocks and climb them which henceforth shone with hellish glow. Since the rocks by Niekłań gained their diabolical name...

 Tourist Information Centre PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society) Końskie Division (see page 32)

„Górna Krasna” Reserve It is only five years old. It is the 68th of Świętokrzyskie reserves with over 413 hectares area. It is called Górna Krasna and is situated on the territory of Stąporków, Zagnańsk and Mniów communes. Along with Krasna Valley the reserve included in European Ecology Network Nature 2000, there are treasured communities of plants and rare and vanishing animal species. Górna Krasna is most of all an or- nithological reserve. There are so many rare fowl species under strict protection such as kingfisher, missel-thrush, oriole, great titmouse and cornflower tit. There are six bat species from Vespertilionidae family, deers, roe deers and badgers. There is a bicycle route in the reserve and twenty-eight-kilometers walking route. There is also seeing tower from where one can admire Krasna River overflow.  Tourist Information Centre PTTK (Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society) Końskie Division (see page 32)

Ponidzie The landscape of Ponidzie is crisscrossed with enchanting meanders of Nida River full of rare and protected species of plants. There are three scenic parks and many natural reserves: Skowronno Dolne, Krzyżanowice Dolne, Skotniki Górne, Skorocice or Przęślin with rare species of stenothermic flora non-existent elsewhere in Poland. There are some relict vascular plants species: capillary needlegrass, feathergrass, brush rocket, spring adonis, wo- oly milk-vetch, field eryngo, and yellow odontities. There is also corn -mi gnonette, purple serpent root and cowslip primrose. There are fragments of grass steppe, meadow steppe, flower steppe and grass fields covered with -xe rophilous flora. The whole steppe landscape is complemented by numerous rare insect species like cicadas, arachnids, snails, ground beetles and bum- blebees. But this steppe is quiet different. There are over thirty fish species and the river itself is one of the most of them in Poland. Green Świętokrzyskie Region  Ponidzie Information Centre (see page 10)

Robbers’ Cave There are many robbers’ caves in Poland: in Ojców, in Łopień, people also men- tion some urban ones… There is but one which truly deserves its name and itis known for a very long time – a cave in Dule ravine near Łagów in which a terrifying robber Madej kept his loot and seek rest after pillaging and ransacking. The entrance to a four-level cave is on eastern ravine wall, 20 meters from its bottom. It is a carsum limestone cave with corridors 200 meters long and 25 only is made available for tourists. Dripstone robe only in Dripstone Hall consists of stalactites, almost half-a-meter stalagmites, pillars and dripstone cover. Even in 11th or 12th centuries it was inha- bited, perhaps by Madej companions. Some ceramics and animal bones were found there but no hidden treasures. According to some reliable sources the contemporary only residents of the cave are spiders, small wingless insects and also three bat species.

 Łagów Commune ul. Iwańska 11, 26-025 Łagów Phone +4841 307 41 21, +4841 307 40 33, Fax +4841 307 42 36 30 www.lagow-gmina.pl Kielce Fair Kielce Fair were launched in 1992. The first fairs organized in Kielce exhibition centre was International Exhibition of Defensive Industry. In the nineties in Kiel- ce there were only a few exhibitions during a year. Now there are over fifty of them. Kielce Fair are the most dynamically developing fair centre in Poland. They are the meeting place of entrepreneurs from the East and West of Europe. It has at its disposal the second biggest fair area in the country. As the only fair centre in Polandrules the it against trip business The uses a special exhibition grounds to present dynamically heavy building, transport and military equipment. In the Kielce Fair complex there is also modern Conferen- ce Centre. Its advantages are excellently audio-visually equipped rooms, fast internet links in all rooms and spacious, air-conditioned conference rooms with movable walls to accommodate free arrangement of conference space. Annually there are almost 300 various conferen- ces, seminars presentations as well as artistic exhibitions.

 Targi Kielce (Fair) Ltd. ul. Zakładowa 1, 25-672 Kielce Phone +4841 365 12 22 www.targikielce.pl

Świętokrzyskie Conference Centres Świętokrzyskie is a region with various conference – business venues. They provide with professional services and conference rooms equipped with modern equipment and utilities and besides guarantee high standard of accommodation services rendered. Apart from typical conference services they provide clients with numerous different attractions.

A selection of conference venues:

 „Europa” Hotel **** – Conference Centre ul. Radomska 76 a, 27-200 Starachowice, Phone +4841 276 78 00, Fax +4841 276 78 01 www.europa-hotel.pl  „Senator” Hotel *** – Conference Centre ul. Krywki 18, 27-200 Starachowice, Phone +4841 274 03 90, Fax +4841 274 03 90 www.h-s.pl  „Łysogóry” Hotel *** ul. Sienkiewicza 78, 25-501 Kielce, Phone +4841 365 50 00, Fax +4841 365 50 01 www.lysogory.com.pl  „Kongresowy” Hotel *** (formerly Exbud) – Hotel Conference Centre Al. Solidarności 34, 25-323 Kielce Phone +4841 332 63 60, +4841 332 63 93, Fax +4841 332 64 40 www.hotelkongresowy.pl  „Uroczysko” Hotel *** Cedzyna 44 d, 25-900 Kielce Phone/Fax +4841 368 11 16, +4841 302 19 26 www.hotel-uroczysko.com.pl  Recreation-Conference Centre „Gołoborze” ul. Górnicza 3, 26-007 Rudki, commune Nowa Słupia Phone +4841 417 74 83  Recreation-Conference Centre „Cztery Wiatry” Korytnica 88, 28-225 Szydłów Phone +4841 353 52 47, +4841 353 52 48, Fax +4841 353 52 49  „Energetyk” Hotel ** ul. Staszica 10-12, Sielpia, 26-200 Końskie Phone +4841 372 02 67, Fax +4841 372 01 22  „Basztowy Hotel *** Pl. Ks. J. Poniatowskiego 2, 27-600 Sandomierz Phone +4815 833 34 50, Fax +4815 833 34 70 www.hotelbasztowy.pl 31 JĘDRZEJÓW DISTRICT OSTRÓW DISTRICT NAGŁOWICE BAŁTÓW

 Tourist Information Centre of Nagłowice Commune  Tourist Information Point Mikołaj Rej Manor, ul. Kacpra Walewskiego 7 Bałtów 55, 27-423 Bałtów, Phone +4841 264 12 93 28-362 Nagłowice www.baltow.info Phone +4841 381 45 70, Fax +4841 381 49 21 OSTROWIEC ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKI www.naglowice.glt.pl KIELCE CITY  Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) Stanisław Jeżewski Division  Regional Tourist Information Centre Al. 3 Maja 5, 27-400 Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski ul. Ściegiennego 2 (Regional Culture Centre), 25-033 Kielce Phone +4841 265 25 24 Phone/Fax +4841 348 00 60, +4841 361 80 57 www.swietokrzyskie.travel  Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) M. Radwan Division  City Tourist Information Al. 3 Maja 8, 27-400 Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Pl. Niepodległości 1 (Railway Station 1st floor) 25-506 Kielce e-mail: [email protected] Phone/Fax +4841 345 86 81, +4841 367 64 36 www.um.kielce.pl/turystyka PIŃCZÓW DISTRICT  Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) PIŃCZÓW Świętokrzyskie Division – Guides Federation Ponidzie Tourist Information Point ul. Sienkiewicza 29, 25–007 Kielce  Phone +4841 344 77 43, Phone/Fax +4841 344 59 14 ul. Piłsudskiego 2, 28-400 Pińczów Phone/Fax +4841 357 24 72 Phone +4841 357 54 04  Tourist Information Point www.muzeumitpinczow.eu Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) Świętokrzyskie Division SANDOMIERZ DISTRICT ul. Sienkiewicza 29, 25-007 Kielce SANDOMIERZ Phone +4841 344 77 43, Fax +4841 344 59 14 www.pttkkielce.pl  Tourist Information Point Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) Świętokrzyskie Guides Society  Sandomierz Division ul. Staszica 5, 25-008 Kielce ul. Rynek 12, 27-600 Sandomierz Phone +4841 344 60 73, Fax +4841 368 46 78 Phone +4815 832 23 05, Phone/Fax +4815 832 26 82 www.pttk-sandomierz.pl KIELECKI DISTRICT BIELINY SKARŻYSKO DISTRICT  Tourist Information Centre SKARŻYSKO-KAMIENNA ul. Partyzantów 17, 26-004 Bieliny Tourist information  Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) Phone +4841 302 50 89 Municipal Division www.bieliny.pl ul. Słowackiego 25, 26-110 Skarżysko-Kamienna NOWA SŁUPIA Phone +4841 253 15 42 Open: Mon, Wed, Thur 17.00 – 19.00  Tourist Information Point ul. Świętokrzyska 18, 26-006 Nowa Słupia STARACHOWICE DISTRICT Phone +4841 317 76 26, +4841 317 70 13 www.nowaslupia.pl STARACHOWICE ŚWIĘTY KRZYŻ  Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) J. Głowacki Division  Tourist Information Point ul. Krywki 1, 27-200 Starachowice Święty Krzyż 1, 26-004 Bieliny Phone +4841 274 62 68 Phone +4841 317 70 21, +4841 317 82 78 Fax +4841 317 82 79 int. 119  Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) www.swietykrzyz.pl Inter-school Division ul. Kielecka 3, 27-200 Starachowice KOŃSKIE DISTRICT Phone +4841 275 52 44 http://starachowice.pttk.pl KOŃSKIE

 Tourist Information Point STASZÓW DISTRICT Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK) STASZÓW Końskie Division ul. Zamkowa 7, 26-200 Końskie  Tourist Information Point Local Tourist Phone/Fax +4841 372 31 70 Organization (LOT) „Czym chata bogata” www.pttkkonskie.pl ul. Rynek 1, 28-200 Staszów, Phone +48 508 497 133 www.czymchatabogata.eu OPATÓW DISTRICT OPATÓW WŁOSZCZOWA DISTRICT WŁOSZCZOWA  Tourist Information Point Polish Tourist Country Lovers’ Society (PTTK)  Tourist Information Point Opatów Division District Cultural – Recreation Centre Pl. Obrońców Pokoju 18, 27-500 Opatów ul. Koniecpolska 42, 29-100 Włoszczowa Phone +4815 868 27 78 Phone +4841 394 35 90, +48 604 393 269 32 www.pttkopatow.free.ngo.pl www.ziemiawloszczowska.prv.pl 33 Marshal's Oﬃce of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship 25-516 Kielce, Al. IX Wieków Kielc 3 Phone +4841 342 15 49, Fax +4841 344 52 65 www.sejmik.kielce.pl