Wodzisław: Pilgrimage, Mining and Nature

Key attractions include Kalwaria Pszowska and the basilica in Pszów, the Górnicza Sztolnia Ćwiczebna and the town museum in the castle of Wodzisław Śląski. Nature and outdoor activities are among the main attractions at the Stawy Wielikąt ponds, in the Szwajcaria Czyżowicka forest complex and along the Powiatu Wodzisławskiego cycling route.

The natural attractions differ considerably: at Stawy Wielikąt, entering the ponds is prohibited; birds can be observed from the bays along the Lubomia–Buków road. Szwajcaria Czyżowicka, also known as Cza-Cza, is a picturesque forest complex in the village of Czyżowice, with gentle hills and small ponds.

The Powiatu Wodzisławskiego cycling route is numbered 316 and is 53 kilometres long; it runs from Wodzisław Śląski to Olza. One described section runs from Gorzyce via Osiny to Czyżowice, where it reaches the particularly scenic Szwajcaria Czyżowicka area. This gives you both a specific route length and a named natural area to use as reference points for the same ride.

If you would rather combine nature with wildlife observation, the bays along the Lubomia–Buków road offer a place to watch birds at the Stawy Wielikąt ponds. The ponds themselves may not be entered. By contrast, in Czyżowice, forest, gentle hills and small ponds shape the character of Cza-Cza. These differences can help you choose whether to focus your trip on cycling, birdwatching or a forest area.

Kalwaria Pszowska comprises a church and fourteen Neo-Baroque chapels. The chapels depict the Stations of the Cross. Together with the nearby sanctuary in Pszów, Kalwaria is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Silesia. Since 2002, the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pszów has officially been the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Smile; the church that houses it was built in 1747.

The wooden Rosary Chapel stands in Buków. It dates from 1770 and is located on the Silesian Wooden Architecture Route. This offers a chance to see a specific 18th-century monument, while Kalwaria—with its ensemble of a church and chapels—shows a different form of religious architecture.

The Górnicza Sztolnia Ćwiczebna in Wodzisław Śląski has around 500 metres of underground mine workings, with mining machines and other mining equipment. An unusual local heritage centre recalling Wodzisław Śląski’s mining traditions, it invites visitors to experience the atmosphere of a real mine. The town museum in the castle offers another perspective on regional history: its exhibition covers the history of Wodzisław Śląski and the region from prehistoric times to the present day.

Wieża Widokowa Jan is a former headframe on the grounds of the former Anna mine in Pszów. Its highest observation platform is more than 23 metres high. The Rodzinny Park Rozrywki „Trzy Wzgórza“ covers 24 hectares and has several dozen facilities. These include a treetop climbing park with zip lines and other rope obstacles, as well as cycling tracks for BMX racing, slopestyle, dirt jumping and pump track. These facilities offer specific ideas for adding mining history or sports activities to your trip.

Special religious services are held regularly at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Turza Śląska. The dates and nights on which they take place are summarised in the quick answers at the end.

You can also visit these pages for other places: Połomia, Radlin, Borowa, Wodzisław Śląski, Rydułtowy, Pszów, Skrzyszów, Syrynia and Mszana.

How long is the Powiatu Wodzisławskiego cycling route?

The cycling route, numbered 316, is 53 kilometres long and runs from Wodzisław Śląski to Olza.

When are the nights of penance and atonement in Turza Śląska?

They take place on the night of the 29th to the 30th of each month at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.

When are the days for the sick held there?

At the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Turza Śląska, the days for the sick are held on the 13th of each month.

For the broader travel overview: Silesia.