"Skamieniałe Miasto" Nature Reserve

The Skamieniałe Miasto in Ciężkowice is an extraordinary place that attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad. It is an inanimate nature reserve located in the Ciężkowickie Foothills, on the right bank of the Biała River. This magical place enchants with its rocky formations and picturesque landscape.

The Skamieniałe Miasto Nature Reserve covers an area of 15.11 hectares and is part of the Ciężkowicko-Rożnowski Landscape Park. The need to protect this unique place was recognized even before World War II. The sandstone rocks that form the Skamieniałe Miasto are the result of erosion processes that have lasted for centuries. Their fanciful shapes, such as pyramids, pulpits, or mushroom rocks, are the result of nature and surprise with their unusual form.

A legend associated with this place tells that the rocks of Skamieniałe Miasto are the remains of a city that was petrified along with its inhabitants for their sins and sinful life. The names of individual rocks, such as "Pyramids" or "Mushroom," refer to their characteristic shapes. This place is full of mysteries and stories that capture the imagination of visitors.

Skamieniałe Miasto not only captivates tourists with its picturesque landscape but is also an excellent didactic object. In the rocks, one can observe numerous sedimentary and tectonic structures that are of scientific interest. In addition to sandstones, the reserve is home to variegated shales and many species of protected plants, such as the lady's slipper orchid or the spotted orchid. Skamieniałe Miasto is a paradise for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.

The blue tourist trail passes through Skamieniałe Miasto, allowing visitors to explore this fascinating place. The trail begins near the center of Ciężkowice, and its route leads through the most important rocks, such as "Czarownica" (Witch), "Ratusz" (Town Hall), or "Grunwald." Walking along the trail, tourists have the opportunity to admire the beauty of Skamieniałe Miasto and learn about its fascinating history.

In the immediate vicinity, there is the Mayor Zbigniew Jurkiewicz Health Park and the new attraction: the Treetop Walkway. This over 1000-meter walking route on the Ciężkowice Foothills reaches a height of 370 meters above sea level. It is a perfect place for family recreation, fascinating nature excursions, and inspiring encounters with nature, encouraging exploration of the charms of the region. Along the route, there are stops for ecological, forest, and natural education, and from the viewing points, there are splendid views.

Skamieniałe Miasto in Ciężkowice is not only a unique place but also an oasis of peace and beautiful nature. It is an ideal place for those who want to break away from the daily hustle and embark on an extraordinary journey through geological history.