Krzeszowice

If you are weary of the noise and bustle of large cities, it’s worth looking on the map of Poland for these slightly smaller ones, which can sometimes surprise us with how much they have to offer. One such town is Krzeszowice, located in the Kraków Upland, making it a good destination for residents of both the Małopolska and Silesian voivodeships. From Kraków, you can reach here by train in 25 minutes, and from Katowice in 50.   Tourists are attracted by: numerous tourist trails, both walking and cycling (Eagle Nests Trail, the "Kraków-Morawy-Wiedeń" Trail), valuable monuments, a golf course nearby, and numerous nature reserves  and landscape parks. 

A bit of history        

The history of this town is very rich. The oldest mentions date back to the Middle Ages. In 1555, the town became the property of Stanisław Tenczyński, and in subsequent years it passed to the Opaliński, Czartoryski, and Lubomirski families. Since 1816, it has been owned by the Potocki family. The dynamic development of the town can be linked to the establishment of a health resort, which was based on waters of medicinal character and enjoyed immense popularity. During World War II, Krzeszowice was located in the General Government, and it was here that Hans Frank had his summer residence.  

Krzeszowice and its surroundings, what is worth visiting?   

The Potocki Palace and Park in Krzeszowice     

A favourite place for all walkers. Daily, the park with the palace attracts locals longing for a moment of respite amidst the greenery. The construction of the main residence of the Krzeszowice branch of the Potocki family took place between 1850 and 1855. The project, in the Italian Renaissance style, was designed by Franciszek Marie Lancia. With the start of the palace's construction, a landscape park with features of an English park was established. The beautiful two-storey building with four corner towers and additional wings enclosing the courtyard was built on a hill, from which a viewpoint spans the surroundings. In 1940, the palace became the summer residence of General Governor Hans Frank. The park was designed to allow views of Tenczyn Castle from the palace windows; it features two expansive viewpoints, numerous benches, and natural monuments. On this vast area, more than 1500 trees grow. Nature enthusiasts may spot unusual tree species such as: Ginkgo biloba, plane trees, and tulip trees.

Tenczyn Castle in Rudno    

The castle, built on a volcanic cone in Rudno, sits atop the highest hill of the Tenczyński Range. The castle has an ancient history, with the first mentions appearing as early as 1308; however, it is believed that the first wooden castle was built in 1319. Since the Swedish Deluge in 1665, the castle has been falling into greater ruin. In 2008, the "Save Tenczyn" Association contributed to the process of securing the ruins. Since 2016, the castle has been accessible to visitors. The tour route leads through the barbican, the defensive corridor, the Nawojowa tower, the upper castle courtyard, and the upper castle's defensive wall. From above, we can see the remnants of the castle, and if the weather permits, the Tatra Mountains will come into view.  


Bogacki Park in Krzeszowice

Today’s park is nothing more than a remnant of an 18th-century spa park. On hot days, it is an ideal shelter from the sun. Numerous trees, benches, and the sound of the flowing river nearby encourage relaxation. Many paths invite walking. For those thirsty for historical curiosities, the park has several attractions. One of them is a stone cross with a bas-relief of Christ's head, the Grave of the Unknown Soldier, the chapel "Under Your Protection", and the Main Spring. In the park, we will also find a remnant of the spa park, which is the Vauxhall Palace.


St. Martin's Church in Krzeszowice        

A beautiful Neo-Gothic church located just by the Krzeszówka River. It attracts attention with its beautiful rose window, which is the central element of the facade. The rose and numerous pointed stained glass windows refer to Notre Dame Cathedral. In the main altar, we find the painting "Adoration of the Three Kings." In the side altar, there is a painting closely associated with the Potocki family. It depicts the Virgin Mary with the Child, surrounded by angels and saints, at her feet kneel the founders of the temple, Zofia and Artur Potocki. The church, built of red brick, resides in the charming vicinity of Bogacki Park. The roof is adorned with a decorative stone balustrade, above which rises the figure of St. Michael the Archangel. Members of the Potocki family are buried in the church crypt.

Text author: Ewa Bandyk

Photo author: Kacper Ropka