Nature Reserve Cave “RAJ” (Paradise Cave)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The “Raj”/”Paradais” Cave is located in the picturesque town of Chęciny on the slope of Mount Malik (approx. 250-259 m. a.s.l.). This natural site is one of the most beautiful karst caves in Poland. The cave was created as a result of karst processes occurring in limestone for millions of years. Water, penetrating through cracks in the rock, dissolved calcium, creating larger and larger corridors and chambers. Over time, thanks to the dripping of water saturated with calcium carbonate, various dripstone forms began to form, which today delight visitors.

What We Love About This Place

The Paradise Cave, discovered in 1964, has an extraordinary wealth and diversity of dripstone forms. stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates, draperies, and other, more exotic forms, such as macaroni or cave pearls. Traces of Neanderthal presence and remains of prehistoric animals (e.g. mammoths) have been discovered in the cave, which means that it was a shelter for our ancestors. The tourist route available leads through the most beautiful nooks of the cave, allowing you to admire its attractions, including a stalagnate in the harp area.

This Place is Important Because

The "Raj" Cave is not only a unique geological phenomenon, but also an important element of the identity of the Świętokrzyskie region community. This place shows that nature is a great artist, and it needs peace and a million years to create a work of art. This place is a refuge for many species of plants and animals, including some endangered. Bats have a winter shelter here. That is why it is so important to protect the cave, in order to preserve its natural beauty for future generations. This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the cave by students of the Kraków Geological Technical School, who, upon seeing it, shouted: "Oh paradise!"

Special Tips

The Paradise Cave is one of the most original tourist attractions in the Świętokrzyskie Province. It is the northernmost area where traces of Neanderthal settlements have been found. The Paradise Cave nature reserve is located about 11 kilometers from the center of Kielce. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by car. The route leads through the picturesque surroundings of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.