Hiking trip in the Holy Cross Mountains

Description

Holy Cross Mountains thanks to its rich natural advantages, distinguish this region from other provinces. It is an ideal place for hiking, not only for experts, but also for all nature lovers. This is a region of unconverted landscape conditions, one can breath fresh air and rest.

 

The value of nature and the necessity to protect the precious natural environment, determined creation of five parks: Cisowsko-Orłowiński, Chęcińsko-Kielecki, Suchedniowsko-Oblęgorski, Sieradowicki and Jeleniowski. All those hide rocky outcrops of rock exploitation of raw materials, which show the power, the mystery and magic of these mountains. Terrain and picturesqueness makes that every walker, whether advanced or just beginning, experience an unforgettable impressions and stand in front of opportunity to admire the magnificent views. A collector of fossils, and lover of nature will be able to encounter specimens, not found anywhere else. In many places one can encounter geological shields, which are called "book of the earth", to help read and understand the history of the earth.

Just close your eyes and try to imagine life millions of years ago, when dinosaurs stepped on the earth. Traveling on foot through the region, one can feel the spirit of ancient times, and experience the beauty and values of the site, which offers respite and rest for nerves. Świętokrzyskie Mountains are a paradise for hikers, where they have to choose from countless kilometers both, easy and difficult routes. Each place is worth a visit because the area is a tale about the history, nature and legends.

 

One of the most beautiful and interesting hiking trails starts in Kielce. After visiting the old city and its industrial district, Białogon, where the nearly 200 years ago at the initiative of Stanislaw Staszic  the factory was created. To commemorate this event, timber church of Zakopane style was funded by the local population in the early 20th century. Our first stop on the route will be Karczówka, the monastery hill situated on the route to Krakow. Standing on a hilltop, monastery emerges from above the surrounding trees, demonstrating its dignity and mystery. Founded by Bishop Marcin Szyszkowski, as a vote, because Kielce in 1622 was dangered by a plague. Constructed with simple geometric shapes, monastery is characterized by Baroque or Rococo style. There is an interesting statue of the patron Saint Barbara, made from unusual materials such as lead ore, galena. From the balcony, there is a splendid panorama of the surroundings. And now turn to explore a more contemporary to us, but very interesting history. It is at nearby Mount Brusznia. The high cross commemorates the first meeting during the January Uprising. Visitor, close your eyes and try to imagine those moments. It was the place where lots of important historical events of our country were taken place... After the spiritual and aesthetic emotions, we go through the route that will lead us to Raj (“Paradise”) Cave. It is the largest and most beautiful caves of the region in which we can admire the grandeur of geological processes. Numerous stalactites, stalagmites make an impression and show the power of the cave, which according to geologists, has been begun create already 100 000 years ago. After descending the hill, a short distance, we come to Zygmuntówka marmur quarry. After a few kilometers walk, we enter into a picturesque mountain area of the reserve Zelejowa. There is a long ridge of rock more than 1.5 km. The top of the hill is traversed by numerous rocks, which document the presence of the rich tradition of ore mining in this area. The reserve is also a great place for lovers of geology.

 

The final stage of our journey is the town Chęciny with castle, which is situated in the hill. Built around 1300, serving in the 14th century as one of the strongest fortresses, was the seat of the royal family members. Its power is demonstrated by fact that it was never conquered by force. Today it is a permanent ruin. Castle Hill (360 m) is another place on our route, from which we can admire the panorama of the surrounding mountains.

At this point, the red trail ends. But this is obviously not the end of the experience. For those in need of more effort on the track, after which it could be a break in the walls of the monastery, we tour Święta Katarzyna - the Holy Cross. The route length of 20.5 km, passing through the area of Świętokrzyski National Park, is one of the most representative routes in the region, which shows the effects of nature and objects of worship, so important to the history and development of the region Swietokrzyskie. The route starts from Święta Katarzyna. The village is an important point on the map of Swietokrzyskie Literary Trail - at the entrance to Łysica, in a nearby chapel, the Stefan Żeromski’s sign can be found. In the village there is also a Gallery of Minerals and Fossils, which invites all lovers to to stone treatment grindery show. The first mentions of Świeta Katarzyna, appear at the end of the 14th century. According to the legend, one of the knights of Wladyslaw Jagiello built in this place a wooden church of Saint Katarzyna. Entering the forest, we come across a spring and the chapel of Saint Franicszek. Some people claim that the water has medicinal properties- perhaps is the merit of power of faith or underground volcano.

Our first goal is summit of Łysica - 612 m. Approximately 2.5 km in length can be overcome in about an hour. Being almost in the top, one should see the boulder fields, known from the descriptions contained in school textbooks. Actually, the summit of the oldest mountains in Poland has two peaks. East, a higher peak (612 m), called the Rock of Agate or Zamczysko, is topped with a cross from 1930. Testing climb to the summit will reward by Jodłowa Forest, a unique complex of forest which leads to the Pass of St. Mikołaj. Route from Łysica to the Saint Mikołaj Pass can be overcome in less than an hour. It is worth mentioning that the pass has the name of the accident. For centuries in this place ran away to nearby cities: Kakonin and Wola Szczygiełkowa. It was a dangerous place and, therefore, people erected a statue of St. Mikołaj here, the patron of travelers and defender against the wild animals. From here the route starts to lead down (blue and red trails.) After about 30 minutes we reach the village Kakonin, which according to legend, lived Kak who robbed the rich and gave to the poor. There is also the Board of a Good Taste of Łysogórska Land and historic 19th-century cottage, which is under the protection of the Museum of Kielce Countryside.

photo A. Drzewiecka

Walking along the edge of National Park, we reach the Huta Szklana, which is located in the lower-called Pass Hucka In this area there are many places where there is a word called “Huta”. This follows from the fact that centuries ago this region was a medieval industrial center - one of the largest in Europe. The road at this stage leads along the red trail that leads towards the second highest peak Mountains – Łysa Góra (also known as Łysiec). The route runs through the forest along an asphalt road. The history of the monastery begins in the 11th century, abounds in numerous events. Over the centuries, the complex has been burned twice, survived the invasions of the Swedes, functioned as a prison and concentration camp for nearly six thousand Soviet prisoners. It is now one of the most interesting and popular places to visit in the region – the tourist route has been prepared for visitors who travel itinerary. It includes a visit to the monastery cloisters, crypt, museum and a church missionary. At the top we turn left towards the viewpoint with a magnificent view of the forest, the panorama of the region. Visiting the Holly Cross, one can visit the exhibition of natural-forest prepared by the Management  of Świętokrzyskie Mountains National Park.

The Royal Route brings us to the Nowa Słupia. According to legend, the King Władysław Jagiełło pilgrimaged through this route. The town was in ancient times one of the largest centers of smelting iron in this part of Europe. To protect the historical value of this place, the Museum of Ancient Metallurgy of Swietokrzyskie Mountains was setabilished. This place can be visited after leaving the Świętokrzyskie Mountains National Park. Today these traditions are reminded at the “Dymarki” event. Visiting Nowa Słupia, one should note the stone pilgrim Emeric, connected with popular legend. Facing the Holy Cross, he has been doing penance for his pride and moving in the top rate of one grain of sand per year. The Armagedon will come while he reaches the summit.
In the restored market, we finish the journey. Using the convenient transport connections, we can go in the direction of Ostrowiec Swietokrzyskie, Kielce or Starachowice.