Zagórze: Nature and Cultural Heritage

• Part of the Zagórze sołectwo (village administrative unit) lies within Tenczyński Landscape Park.
• The Bukowica Nature Reserve is located in the protected part of the sołectwo.
• The yellow “im. JP II” Jura Valleys hiking trail passes through Zagórze and Bukowica.
• A blue cycling loop in the Babice area also passes through Zagórze.

The landscape can be explored through several distinct features. Bukowica Nature Reserve has Carpathian beech forest with old beech trees. It is also home to a rock exposure several metres long, consisting of Triassic limestone. In the northern part of Zagórze, the “Małe Gaje” loess ravine lies on the slopes of the Garb Tęczyński hills.

One important point for understanding the area is its boundary: not all of the Zagórze sołectwo lies within Tenczyński Landscape Park, only part of it. Bukowica, in turn, is located within the protected part. The forest, limestone exposure and loess ravine offer different points of interest for travellers who are especially interested in nature and landscapes when choosing a destination.

The trails differ both in subject matter and type. The yellow “im. JP II” Jura Valleys hiking trail runs through Zagórze and Bukowica Nature Reserve. The blue loop in the Babice area is a cycling route and also passes through Zagórze. Those interested in religious history can also explore the “Szlak Miejsc Papieskich na Ziemi Chrzanowskiej” (Trail of Papal Sites in the Chrzanów Region). This route passes through Zagórze and connects the choice of destination with the theme of papal sites in the Chrzanów region.

When planning your trip, you can first decide whether hiking, cycling or religious history is your main focus. The routes mentioned offer different thematic perspectives; they should not be understood as one combined route.

The Chapel of Matki Boskiej Karmiącej (Our Lady of the Nursing) is a historic chapel from the early 19th century and is listed in the municipal register of monuments. Many religious ceremonies were held there, including some attended by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła. Another chapel in Zagórze-Góry commemorates his visit to Zagórze. These sites represent different aspects of the area’s history: a historic place with a tradition of religious life, and a memorial site.

Another historical trace is “Grodzisko Duże.” The site is dated to the 7th to 11th centuries, and fragments of a fortification have survived. This period is considerably earlier than the early 19th century, when the Chapel of Matki Boskiej Karmiącej was built. Those interested in history can therefore explore both older fortification remains and religious heritage from a later period in Zagórze.

If nature is your priority, Bukowica, the beech forest, the limestone exposure and “Małe Gaje” can be the main themes for your further planning. If you are interested in being active, the hiking trail and blue cycling loop offer two different types of route. Those who prefer history can consider the chapels, the Papal Sites trail and “Grodzisko Duże” as separate points of interest. First decide which theme matters for your trip, then compare hotels in Zagórze according to your personal needs.

Discover more destinations: Trzebinia, Libiąż, Babice, Żarki, Chrzanów, Młoszowa, Lgota, Oświęcim.

Is all of Zagórze within Tenczyński Landscape Park?

No. Part of the Zagórze sołectwo lies within the park. Bukowica Nature Reserve is located within the protected part.

What types of routes can you distinguish in Zagórze?

The yellow Jura Valleys trail is a hiking trail, while the blue loop in the Babice area is a cycling route. The “Szlak Miejsc Papieskich na Ziemi Chrzanowskiej” is a thematic route to papal sites.

Which historical periods are represented?

“Grodzisko Duże” is dated to the 7th to 11th centuries. The Chapel of Matki Boskiej Karmiącej dates from the early 19th century.

For the broader travel overview: Chrzanów.