Ciężkowice

In the late 19th century, it was incredibly close for Ciężkowice to become an renowned resort. Although the project suggested by Ignacy Jan Paderewski was never completed, during the 1950s search for crude oil, some workers did find springs of mineral waters. In the past, the town of Ciężkowice was famous for producing cloth and canvas. In 1998, Ciężkowice regained municipal rights, which they lost in 1934. By the market square you can see 19th century wooden houses, a town hall and a parish church of St. Andrzej.

Here you can also visit the Nature Museum of Krystyna and Włodzimierz Tomkowie, whch is one of the most precious private nature collections in Poland. But perhaps the greatest attraction of Ciężkowice is the Skamieniałe Miasto nature reserve. At the surface of 15 hectares we can probably admire all the possible rocky formations of sandstone weathering. In the Grunwald Rock you can see a commemorative board, which pays tribute to the 500th anniversary of the battle at Grunwald.

Ciężkowice is located in the valley of the river Biała, at the junction between Pogórze Rożnowskie and Pogórze Ciężkowickie. This is an incredibly picturesque mountain area, similar to Beskidy, which are located further to the south.

In order to protect the local landscapes, the Ciężkowice-Rożnów Landscape Park and Brzanka Range Landscape park were created. Under the peak of Pogórze Karpackie you can visit the tourist shelter „Bacówka na Jamnej” – the only shelter at the area of Pogórze Rożnowskie.
The area of both landscape parks is crossed by walking and cycling trails.