Architecture and nature in Kielce and surrounding Poland

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ITINERARY OVERVIEW

A route around Kielce and the surrounding area: We will start our trip from Kielce, from the Castle Hill - the core of the city, where the main temple is located - the cathedral basilica and the former palace of the Krakow bishops, currently the National Museum. Due to their location on the hill, the buildings are visible from afar from every point in the city. From the hill, heading southeast, we will reach the Kadzielnia Nature Reserve - one of five reserves located within the city limits of Kielce. In the eastern part of the city, there is another largest worth seeing Nature Reserve of Inanimate Wietrznia, which covers the former limestone and dolomite quarrying areas. In the immediate vicinity of the reserve is the modern building of the Geoeducation Center. Leaving Kielce towards Krakow, we will see from afar the Royal Castle in Chęciny located on the hill, which is worth visiting and feeling like you are in a medieval castle. A little further on, we will reach Podzamcze, where the modern Leonardo Da Vinci Science Center - Regional Science and Technology Center. Returning to Kielce, we deviate from the road to see a unique creation of nature – the “Raj” Cave.

Local Delicacies

Zalewajka świętokrzyska is the queen of soups in the Świętokrzyskie region. The classic zalewajka is made from sour rye soup with potatoes and wild mushrooms and cracklings. The richer version includes pieces of sausage and bacon. Cabbage - the head is empty, but the belly is full. The Świętokrzyskie farmers say that cabbage will accept everything - meat, cold cuts, mushrooms, peas, beans, potatoes, and even fruit. A classic dish made from cabbage is the old Polish bigos. It is one of the oldest dishes in Poland. Sweet snacks made from seasonal fruits - gifts of nature: strawberries, apples or plums. Sweet strawberry desserts refresh tourists tired of the heat, e.g. cheesecake with strawberry mousse. The best of the sweet Sandomierz apples is apple pie or apple juice will sweeten autumn days. Plum jam or plums in chocolate are a delicacy that many have tried at least once. Rapeseed is one of the regional oil plants grown in the Świętokrzyskie region. In the spring, yellow fields that look like the sun are characteristic. Rapeseed is used to produce the best edible oil (rapeseed oil), but also margarine and other cooking fats.

Local Customs, Traditions, and Must-See Events

Traditional folk and trade holidays and customs are cultivated in Kielce and its surroundings. Every year in June, the Kielce City Festival is celebrated for an entire weekend. During this time, concerts, dances, games and various attractions for the local community and visiting tourists take place in various parts of the city: on the Market Square, Sienkiewicza Street, Artists Square and in the city park.