Touristic attractions in Kielce
Kielce is the capital of the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship. Located in the heart of Świętokrzyskie Mountains, it is the economic and touristic centre of the region. Famous for its historical and well-established traditions in building industry, Kielce is a place of touristic and cultural attractions as well as the area of geological peculiarities. The town boasts five nature reserves within its limits: Ślichowice, Kadzielnia, Wietrznia, Biesak (inanimate nature) and Karczówka – landscape reserve, Sufraganiec. Abundance of cycling paths, ski lifts, horse riding centres and picturesque hiking paths will leave no tourist disappointed.
Palace of the Krakow Bishops
Palace of the Krakow Bishops was erected between 1637 and 1644, founded by Jan Zadzik, Bishop of Krakow. The building is a splendid and the most precious example of the Polish residencies of the Vasa dynasty period. Its classification as a “0” class monument (according to the former classification of monuments) proves its priceless character and rank.
Kielce Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Originally a small Romanesque collegiate church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was erected in 1171 by Gedeon, Bishop of Krakow. It was located on the highest hill of old Kielce (280 m above sea level). The entire structure was built of hewn stone and partly modelled as a fortress, with two defence towers. It has lost its original character as a result of numerous reconstructions (1514-1522), which added sacristy, chapter house and presbytery.
Kielce Town Park
Kielce Town Park is located in the strict centre of the town and is one of the oldest in Poland. Since 1972, it has been included in the register of monuments of the Świętokrzyskie region. Along with the pond, it occupies the area of ca 7 hectares.
Tomasz Zielinski Palace
A neo-gothic residence, founded by Tomasz Zielinski, a governor of Kielce district. The complex consists of the palace with a battlement-finished tower, pavilions, a garden, and a wall that incorporates a round, overhang tower, called “Plotkarka”, which may also be admired from the park.
Kadzielnia
A hill in the south-west area of Kielce. Formed of Late Devonian limestone (Frasnian, Famennian) , it is 295 metres high. Currently, the excavation (former quarry) is filled with underground waters of the Emerald Lake and several small caves have been discovered here. Since 1962, the area is the Kadzielnia nature reserve.
Karczówka
A cloister complex, founded by Marcin Szyszkowski, a Bishop f Krakow as a votive offering for sparing Kielce from the 1622 plague.