Staszów: Water, Monastic History and Medieval Sites

• The southern part of Zalew Chańcza is in Staszów County. In summer, you can use the supervised bathing beach there and take part in water sports.
• In Rytwiany, the Pustelnia Złotego Lasu is a centre for tourism and pilgrimage.
• Szydłów is known for its well-preserved medieval town plan and defensive walls made of local limestone.
• The Gothic Church of St Bartholomew in Staszów was built of stone and brick in 1342–1343.

In the southern part of Zalew Chańcza, which is in Staszów County, you can use the supervised bathing beach in summer. The activities mentioned include kayaking, boating and pedal boating, windsurfing and motorised water sports. This lets you choose a more specific focus: swimming, paddle- or boat-based activities, or wind- or motor-powered water sports. If water is important to your trip planning, consider this option for summer.

The Pustelnia Złotego Lasu in Rytwiany is a centre for tourism and pilgrimage. It is open to everyone seeking peace and reflection. This 17th-century Camaldolese monastic complex is one of the most significant Polish monastic sites from the first half of that century.

The Galeria Kamedulska displays old paintings, memorabilia and exhibits about the history of the Rytwiany hermitage. In this way, the history of the monastery is brought together with a collection that explores both art and the history of the hermitage. This gives you a different focus from the defensive walls and castle of Szydłów: in Rytwiany, monastic tradition and reflection are at the heart of the experience.

Szydłów is known for its well-preserved medieval town plan. Its defensive walls were built from local limestone in the 14th century. The Royal Castle’s notable features include a private royal chamber and medieval hypocaust heating furnaces. Following its revitalisation in 2019, the palace was roofed and prepared for visitors.

The Polish Castles Museum in the Skarbczyk displays ten 3D castle models, including two models of Szydłów. The models complement the medieval buildings with a smaller-scale representation. This means you can explore Szydłów through its town plan and walls, as well as its castle history and models.

In Staszów, the Church of St Bartholomew was built as a Gothic church of stone and brick in 1342–1343. Its precise construction dates give this historic site a different emphasis from the 17th-century monastic complex in Rytwiany. The history of the Kurozwęki Palace Complex also dates back to the 14th century. The palace complex is among the places that help underpin tourism development in Staszów County.

For cultural trip planning, there are several different perspectives to choose from: Camaldolese monastic history, medieval towns and castles, and a Gothic church. The periods and architectural styles mentioned can help you weigh your interests, without suggesting that all historic sites share the same focus.

For further trip planning, you can also discover Oleśnica, Osiek, Skarżysko-Kamienna, Korytnica, Kurozwęki, Budy, Rytwiany, Staszów and Wiązownica Mała.

When can you use the supervised bathing beach at Zalew Chańcza?

The supervised bathing beach in the southern part of Zalew Chańcza in Staszów County is open in summer.

How does the Pustelnia Złotego Lasu differ from Szydłów?

The Pustelnia in Rytwiany is a centre for tourism and pilgrimage, with a 17th-century Camaldolese monastic complex. Szydłów is known, among other things, for its medieval town plan and 14th-century defensive walls.

What does the Polish Castles Museum in the Skarbczyk display?

The museum displays ten 3D castle models, including two models of Szydłów.

For the regional travel overview: Świętokrzyskie.