Old Chinese proverb says: “When I hear something-I’ll easier forget, when I see something-I’ll easier remember, when I do something-I’ll easier understand”. So if we spend some time on exploring the nature ourselves, we’ll understand her, respect and get to know better. The Cracow-Czestochowa Upland gives you a various possibility of spending time: hiking, cycling, riding, climbing and speology. Also horse-riding, skiing and paragliding are becoming famous there.
Hiking
It has always been strongly promoted in Jura. The best example is the fact that there are some thousands of registered trails giving you a perfect view of polish nature. The most important and famous is Eagles’ Nests Trail (Szlak Orlich Gniazd) which connects Cracow with Czestochowa, most frequently taken by huge numbers of tourists. During this 163km length trail we can admire different plant species or pick up forest fruits (wild strawberries, blackberries, red berries, and especially mushrooms). But the most attractive things to see, not only on this trail, are the ruins of mighty castles.
Castles
Visiting Jura’s castles will give you a taste of polish history. The majority of them was built in the XIV century, when Poland was commanded by its most powerful king-Kazimierz Wielki. Then a big complicated system of watchtowers and castles was built. They were put on the hills, which made them more difficult to capture. Unfortunately not all of them have survived till now. But till now each ruin seems to hide its own mystery. There are lots of legends describing, sometimes very drastically, the events which have taken place. Although, not everything is explained. Very often the masters haven’t left their castles after death. If you are the one, you may meet them…Olsztyn – it’s one of the most beautiful ruins, in the past one of the biggest and most powerful Jurassic strongholds. It was situated on a rocky hill called Sunny Rocks. It consisted of the upper and lower castles and two outer ones. But those Sunny Rocks are bright only during sunny days. In autumn rainy days, and especially at night the terror raises. When the darkness comes, on the round tower a strong broad-shouldered man appears. Clinking of chains and terrifying screaming are heard. It lasts till midnight.
This ghost is high situated king’s helper. Behind king’s back he cooperated with thieves and soon became their leader. As a punishment he was put in the underground. His punishment was death of starvation. He got only water and hay. It made him so desperate, that he started eating parts of his body to fight against the hunger …Bobolice – the king’s castle built in the middle of XIVc. on a rocky hill, in the site of the anterior wooden castle. An amazing thing happened there. A boy called John ‘White’ found here great treasure…
There are much more stories. I hope this little part gave you some sight about our region.Worth seeing are also Jurassic caves, which also have own legends. This time they are mostly about witches and magic. They show how water can change the stone into an art during thousands of years. If you are still not satisfied with what I’ve just mentioned, you can try rock climbing and paragliding. What I mean-there’s a lot to do in here.The Beskidy MountainsThere are beautiful mountains in the south part of Silesia Province. They are called The Beskidy Mountains: Beskid of Silesia and part of Beskid of Zywiec. This place is one of the most beautiful in Silesia. It is an important tourism centre.-If You like mountain climbing there are lots of high mountains (with Skrzyczne 1257 and Pilsko 1557metres above sea level)
-For forest hiking fans and for those who don’t like climbing there are beautiful valleys and small hills
-You love skiing! Here You’ll find the best ski runs in Silesia (for some these are the best in Poland) with large number of lifts – chairlifts, T-bar lifts and ski lifts.
-You look for a quiet place with fresh air and comfortable accommodation – You’ll find it here.
-For mountain bikers there are downhill driving routes (one of the best on Czantoria).
-For those who like water, dams (and lakes) were built so that they can’t complain.There is always a lot to do here. Everyone will find something interesting – both youngsters and seniority, families as well as lovers.
Hiking
It has always been strongly promoted in Jura. The best example is the fact that there are some thousands of registered trails giving you a perfect view of polish nature. The most important and famous is Eagles’ Nests Trail (Szlak Orlich Gniazd) which connects Cracow with Czestochowa, most frequently taken by huge numbers of tourists. During this 163km length trail we can admire different plant species or pick up forest fruits (wild strawberries, blackberries, red berries, and especially mushrooms). But the most attractive things to see, not only on this trail, are the ruins of mighty castles.
Castles
Visiting Jura’s castles will give you a taste of polish history. The majority of them was built in the XIV century, when Poland was commanded by its most powerful king-Kazimierz Wielki. Then a big complicated system of watchtowers and castles was built. They were put on the hills, which made them more difficult to capture. Unfortunately not all of them have survived till now. But till now each ruin seems to hide its own mystery. There are lots of legends describing, sometimes very drastically, the events which have taken place. Although, not everything is explained. Very often the masters haven’t left their castles after death. If you are the one, you may meet them…Olsztyn – it’s one of the most beautiful ruins, in the past one of the biggest and most powerful Jurassic strongholds. It was situated on a rocky hill called Sunny Rocks. It consisted of the upper and lower castles and two outer ones. But those Sunny Rocks are bright only during sunny days. In autumn rainy days, and especially at night the terror raises. When the darkness comes, on the round tower a strong broad-shouldered man appears. Clinking of chains and terrifying screaming are heard. It lasts till midnight.
This ghost is high situated king’s helper. Behind king’s back he cooperated with thieves and soon became their leader. As a punishment he was put in the underground. His punishment was death of starvation. He got only water and hay. It made him so desperate, that he started eating parts of his body to fight against the hunger …Bobolice – the king’s castle built in the middle of XIVc. on a rocky hill, in the site of the anterior wooden castle. An amazing thing happened there. A boy called John ‘White’ found here great treasure…
There are much more stories. I hope this little part gave you some sight about our region.Worth seeing are also Jurassic caves, which also have own legends. This time they are mostly about witches and magic. They show how water can change the stone into an art during thousands of years. If you are still not satisfied with what I’ve just mentioned, you can try rock climbing and paragliding. What I mean-there’s a lot to do in here.The Beskidy MountainsThere are beautiful mountains in the south part of Silesia Province. They are called The Beskidy Mountains: Beskid of Silesia and part of Beskid of Zywiec. This place is one of the most beautiful in Silesia. It is an important tourism centre.-If You like mountain climbing there are lots of high mountains (with Skrzyczne 1257 and Pilsko 1557metres above sea level)
-For forest hiking fans and for those who don’t like climbing there are beautiful valleys and small hills
-You love skiing! Here You’ll find the best ski runs in Silesia (for some these are the best in Poland) with large number of lifts – chairlifts, T-bar lifts and ski lifts.
-You look for a quiet place with fresh air and comfortable accommodation – You’ll find it here.
-For mountain bikers there are downhill driving routes (one of the best on Czantoria).
-For those who like water, dams (and lakes) were built so that they can’t complain.There is always a lot to do here. Everyone will find something interesting – both youngsters and seniority, families as well as lovers.
Who We Are ?
Some people can say that apart from their nationality they have also their regional identity e.g. Bavarian and German or Tyrolean and Austrian. Unfortunately it is very difficult for us to say the same. We are simply citizens of Czestochowa.
Some people think that we are Silesian. It is not true. Czestochowa is a part of Silesian Province but geographical and historical Silesia is about 50 km south of our place. Silesian people’s local dialect is characterized by occurrence of German words and special accent. However our dialect is regarded as literary. Considering historical aspects, Silesia was Polish, Czech, Austrian, German and finally Polish again, while Czestochowa and the region was always a part of Polish Kingdom.
Czestochowa is situated in the northern part of Cracow-Czestochowa Jura. But we can not call ourselves Jurassic or something like that. Jura is only a geographical region. It has not historical or political significance.
It was a serious problem for politicians while making a new administrative division. Citizens of Czestochowa didn’t want it to be the part of Silesian Province but there was no other choice. However for us it isn’t important which province Czestochowa is part of. Our feelings and local patriotism is what determine our identity.
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