The area around Chęciny, and in particular the Miedzianka Mountains (354 m above sea level), is one of those places where you will find traces of the activities of former miners in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains at almost every turn.
The secrets of Miedzianka
Indeed, the Miedzianka reserve is full of mysterious crevices, depressions and adits. The very name of the peak is clear evidence that the mountain provided valuable minerals.
The only preserved shaft tower in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains also clearly testifies to Miedzianka's mining past. You will find it in a fenced-off area by the road leading around the eastern foot of the mountain. The structure dates back to 1902 and rises above the disused "Piotr" mining shaft.
Near the tower, there are several modest buildings, remnants of the last historic copper ore mine. One of them houses an exhibition of the Museum Chamber of Ore Mining. It is a must-see for lovers of interesting history, geology and the natural beauty enchanted in minerals.
The history of the earth...
The atmospheric exhibition is arranged in an industrial, but also somewhat nostalgic style. In the mine-like interiors, you will see geological collections related to copper deposits and other minerals found in the Chęciny area.
Impressive specimens of green malachite and blue azurite will show you how many minerals and forms copper can create in nature. An important chapter in the history of the earth, which we can read in this area, is represented by the fossils and rocks collected at the exhibition, including the famous limestones known as "Chęciny marbles".
However, remember that in the chamber you will find examples of minerals not only from the Świętokrzyskie region, but also from other parts of Poland and even from around the world. It must be admitted that the collections from Miedzianka look great in the company of specimens from other corners of the globe.
... and man
Mining is about people whose hard work, knowledge and experience accumulated over centuries. In the chamber, you will see how the technology, tools and even the costumes of the Świętokrzyskie miners have changed.
Thanks to the exhibition, you will learn about the traditions of the mining profession. The chamber has a rich collection of ceremonial uniforms, beer mugs from miners' taverns and decorations. In photographs from the 1950s and 1980s, you will see how much the area around Miedzianka has changed. An atmosphere of legend and mystery hangs over everything, intensified by Skarbek – the good spirit of every mine.
Mining is also the technical thinking of visionaries, innovators and courageous entrepreneurs. Discover the story of the brothers Stanisław and Bolesław Łaszczyński, known as the "inventors from Miedzianka". At the beginning of the 20th century, they founded the joint-stock company "Zofia", which was involved in copper mining. In 1902, Stanisław patented a method of copper electrolysis and applied his invention in Papiernia, 5 kilometres from Miedzianka.
On the UNESCO list
It's time to buy some souvenirs, get your stamp and move on. After such a solid dose of knowledge, you will certainly not pass by the interesting examples of rocks found in the Chęciny area, collected in the nearby chamber, without noticing them.
Let's go! Where to? To Miedzianka, of course! In addition to geological curiosities, a real rarity awaits you here in the low, forested Świętokrzyskie Mountains – a panoramic view of the surrounding area stretching from the summit. From here, you will see, among other things, the castle in Chęciny, Kielce and other ranges of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.
Miedzianka is definitely a place where the riches of nature have served man for centuries. The two intertwine seamlessly here, and today it is difficult to imagine this mountain without its mysterious tunnels, legends and stories of ancient times. It is this connection between the land and man that has made Miedzianka one of the strongest points of the UNESCO Świętokrzyski Geopark today.