The rich cultural heritage of the Świętokrzyskie region dates back to prehistoric times. The area of the Lesser Poland Upland, delimited by the rivers Wisla and Pilica, with the centrally located Świętokrzyskie Mountains - which are among the oldest mountains in Europe - attracts visitors with its diversity and uniqueness of monuments. The Neolithic flint mines (Krzemionki in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski), which were in operation 5 000 years ago, were among the largest in Europe, and products made from striped flint extracted there have been discovered hundreds of kilometres from the site. The beginning of our era, in turn, saw the mass production of iron in thousands of one-off clay smelting furnaces called dymarky. The Świętokrzyskie metallurgical centre was so huge that, according to some researchers, it could have provided iron production facilities even for the Roman Empire. The remains of Celts found in Ponidzie are another attraction of the region, indicating how much was happening here in times about which our chronicles are silent.
At this point it is worth mentioning Wiślica. According to legend, it was supposed to be the capital of the mythical Wislan tribe, while in reality one of the most important administrative centres of the Piast monarchy was established here. The Wiślica Collegiate Church is one of the most valuable Gothic religious monuments in Poland, and the newly opened Archaeological Museum is an excellent example of a successful and very attractive marriage of history, archaeological monuments, artefacts and modern technology for visitors.
The Świętokrzyskie region is also an important route for lovers of castles and palaces. To this day, it is possible to visit the buildings or their ruins (so-called permanent ruins) in Chęciny, Ujazd (Krzyżtopór), Sobków, Kurozwęki, Bejscach or Kielce. You can also wander according to the literary code - visit Henryk Sienkiewicz's manor house in Oblęgorek; the cemetery in Leszczyny, where Stefan Żeromski's parents are buried, or the chapel on the trail to Łysica, where the writer's signature is scratched on the wall. Additionally, the rich Jewish cultural heritage can be mentioned - the magnificent synagogues in Pińczów, Szydłów and Chmielnik.
Are you looking for information on current events in tourism and culture in the Świętokrzyskie region?
Be sure to visit the regional service: www.swietokrzyskie.travel
Sources of information:
www.swietokrzyskie.pro, www.swietokrzyskie.travel, www.gov.pl/web/kultura/swietokrzyskie
"INTEURO - programme for integration and professional activation of foreigners in the Swietokrzyskie voivodship".
Implementers:
Association Integration Europe - East
Voivodeship Labour Office in Kielce
