There are still many nooks and crannies to discover in Poland. One of them is the land of Miedziana Góra, which, in addition to beautiful scenic tourist routes, abounds in attractions for lovers of geology, history, technology, racing cars and.... pierogi! See for yourself!
UNUSUAL GEOLOGY
as the name suggests, mining and metallurgy gave direction to the development of the villages in the area of today's Miedziana Góra commune. The treasures hidden underground here raised the hopes of many generations of miners ready to sacrifice their health and fortunes. They were believed in by the bishops of Cracow - the owners of these lands until the end of the 18th century, by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, by the Austrians during the partitions and by Father Stanisław Staszic. To this day, the inhabitants themselves still repeat legends about nuggets of ore left in the ground.
Numerous traces of former mining and metallurgical activities, mining fields, spoil heaps and the remains of hydrotechnical facilities are the remnants of former mining and metallurgical activities. It is also evidenced by the chapel on Chapel Hill, known as Buchcina, dedicated to St Barbara - the patron saint of miners.
The temple has been entered in the register of historical monuments. At present, it is an unstyled building. In addition to three altars, its interior is decorated with an exhibition on the history of copper mining. Hidden on one of the wooded hills along Route 74 is the former Ciosovo quarry.
Between the trees, a vertical wall made of red sandstone can be seen from afar. In the past, stone was quarried here which was later used in construction and stonemasonry.
Thanks to its resistance to high temperatures, it was also used as a lining stone for ironworks furnaces. Exploitation was terminated in 1975 and a nature reserve was created at the site of the former excavation. It is distinguished by a 100 m long and 25 m high wall made of fossilised dunes, in which the tracks of route reptiles have survived. Halfway between Kostomłoty Pierwsze and Drugie a small hill with a solitary brick chapel rises. This is St. John's Hill, also called Kolejówka, which hides wonderful geological treasures in its interior. In the ‘Mogiłka’ quarry hidden in the western slope of the hill, a fanciful arrangement of rocks has been discovered, with a black, clear line separating rocks that were formed under different sedimentary conditions. Fossil hunters may find traces of life millions of years ago in these rocks.
An ancient sanctuary and an impressive technical monument
The Copper Mountain forests hide a wealth of secrets. Centuries ago, sacrifices were made to the Slavic gods on a stone hill in Tumlin. The ancient sanctuary was surrounded by three stone ramparts, effectively separating the sacred from the profane. So much so that no artefacts have been found on Grodowa Mountain.
Fot. Słowiańskie Bajduły w nieczynnym Kamieniołomie na Górze Grodowej, Łukasz Sokołowski
Today, on the narrow isthmus between the two mines, on the site of the former sanctuary, stands a small brick chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. Today, on the site of the former shrine stands a small brick chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration, surrounded by semi-circular sandstone slabs. According to local legend, the inhabitants of the surrounding settlements hid on the hill during the Swedish Deluge. In gratitude for their rescue, they built a chapel on top of Grodowa Hill.
Fot. Kaplicza Przemienienia Pańskiego na Górze Grodowej, Archiwum ROTWŚ
Bobrza is a small village where spectacular traces of the blast-furnace activities that once took place here have survived. To laymen, the walls of the former factories will more closely resemble the picturesque ruins of a medieval castle or a romantic chateau than the ruins of a 19th century ironworks.
Fot: Zakład wielkopiecowy w Bobrzy, Sławek Rakowski
Every year, at the end of the holidays, this is a must-visit for any dumpling lover! The hostesses go to great lengths to prepare a variety of stuffings and conquer even the most discriminating palates. Little do they know that everything tastes so much better in such surroundings!
Active at any time of year
The Miedzian Gora community is the perfect place to spend time outdoors. And all year round! Designated hiking trails await you here, including the main red hiking trail of the Swietokrzyskie Mountains. The trail leads through the Tumlin Hills, consists of numerous sharp climbs and gives you the opportunity to test your endurance.
The municipality is also crossed by the ‘Traces of miners, fryers and blacksmiths’ trail and several Nordic-walking trails. Fans of two wheels will ride through the municipality on the Green Velo Eastern Cycle Route or the red cycle trail.
Fot. Szlak Green Velo w Gminie Miedziana Góra, Archiuwum ROTWŚ
In winter you can go skiing in the Tumlin Sport Ski Centre. There is a groomed, artificially snowed slope with a platter lift and a restaurant, as well as a winter equipment rental and qualified instructors.
Extreme thrills will be provided by the ‘Kielce’ race track, which is one of the most important facilities of its kind in the country. The circuit consists of two loops: a small one of 1140 m and a large one of 4160 m, on which the Polish Car Racing Championship, rallies and automotive events and... the cult stock exchange take place.