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The Trail of the Eagles' Nests
shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere and imbued with the spirit of history,
the trail was blazed in 1950,
and leads from Czestochowa to Krakow in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland.
It has exceptional tourist appeal.
This is mainly because of its natural treasures:
unique landscape that is full of limestone monadnocks,
caves, karst springs
and wide variety of vegetation.
There are also many cultural treasures
such as architectural monuments and buildings,
especially those erected here in the 14th century
during the reign of Kazimierz Wielki, as well as fortified castles
and watchtowers built to protect the state border.
These were built on hilltops, amid limestone rocks that are difficult to access,
hence their name - The "Eagles' Nests".
Let's go together and discover this amazing part of our country.
Our travels through the historic Trail of the Eagles' Nests begins in Czestochowa,
which is famous for its Jasna Gora Monastery.
Its history is inextricably linked to the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa
which was donated by Prince Wladyslaw Opolczyk
to the Pauline monastery in 1382.
Czestochowa with its representative Avenue of the Blessed *** Mary
is a city of many monuments and other tourist attractions,
as well as entertainment for people of all ages and interests.
From Czestochowa, the trail leads to Olsztyn,
a city dominated by picturesque limestone hills integrated into the body of its castle.
The governor of Poznan, Maciej Borkowic, was imprisoned in its dungeon
and later sentenced to death, for leading a rebellion against the royal power.
According to legend, the ghost of the governor still haunts the castle.
To the east of Olsztyn, in the valley of the river Wiercica,
lies Zloty Potok (Golden Stream) with the Palace of the Raczynski Family
and karst springs known as the Springs of Sigmund and Elizabeth.
One of the first trout farms in Europe
was established here and it operates to this day.
Further south we find the ruins of the castle of Ostreznik,
with its hidden treasure and forest protected as a nature reserve.
Next we arrive at Mirow, where the local castle is an excellent example of matching
the walls of the building to the limestone upon which it stands.
Not far away, we find Bobolice,
dominated by the silhouette of a medieval castle rising on a rocky hill.
This fortress, built in the mid-fourteenth century, fell into ruin during the "Deluge".
It was rebuilt and is now partially open to tourists.
Both forts were used by the Knights as a residence and for defense.
Gora Zborow, situated within the Kroczyckich Rocks formation,
is a natural reserve due to the shapes of the limestone monadnocks,
with their fairy-tale names.
It has one of the most beautiful views of the Jura region.
On the western slope near Podlesice, there is Deep Cave.
Heading south-west we reach Morsko.
Hidden on a hill among the thickets of trees
we find the walls of Bakowiec fortress, built at the turn of the 14th century,
hugging the limestone rock, together with its buildings and bailey.
Currently there is a year-round resort with the famous ski slope around the castle.
Then we visit Mount Birow in Podzamcze,
which for years was a settlement for the residents of the Jura,
in the late Neolith to the Middle Ages.
One can enjoy there the "Castle on the Hill Birow"
reconstructed along the lines of the former settlement.
Nearby, on the highest hill of the Jura, Mount Janowski,
are the ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle.
It is here where most trails of the Jura cross.
In the 17th century, the castle was captured,
looted and destroyed by Swedes.
To commemorate this event,
a staging of "Swedes in the castle" is held here every July.
Today the castle is well prepared for tourism and sightseeing,
and a number of attractions are available in the surrounding area.
The courtyard hosts many outdoor events and knight tournaments.
Heading further west through Pilica, with its 17th century palace and park,
we reach the ruins of Smolen Castle, from the times of Wldyslaw Lokietek.
Burnt by the Swedes, the castle ruins survive to this day,
together with the ruins of the watchtower and church in Bydlin.
It is here where Bydlin Legionaries fought the battle of Krzywoploty in 1914.
Heading south we reach Rabsztyn Castle, created in the time of Kazimierz Wielki,
which changed owners over the centuries.
In the meantime,we follow a winding road towards Krakow
following a beautiful valley, called Dolina Pradnika,
named after Pradnik stream, which originates here.
Soon, at first white limestone rocks appear,
becoming with time a fixed element of the landscape.
From a distance, at the top of one of them appears the castle of Pieskowa Skala,
which used to be an aristocratic residence in the Renaissance.
Not far from the castle emerges the most characteristic rock of the entire Jura
The Hercules' Club.
Going further, we reach Ojcow with its castle built by King Kazimierz Wielki
as an important point of control of the trade route.
The undoubted highlight of the trail is Ojcow National Park.
It is rich in many species of animals and plants typical of the area.
In Ojcow National Park, it is worth visiting its many tourist attractions,
such as the local caves; Lokietka Cave and Dark Cave.
Ojcow area and Pradnik Valley are considered the most attractive
and densely forested part of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland.
Near the picturesque Korzkiew,
you can visit the medieval castle which now operates as a hotel.
At the end of the Eagles' Nests Trail hike we reach the city of Krakow.
Towering over the city, Wawel Castle is without a doubt the most importan castle
of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland.
Originally wooden, the castle became over time a Renessaince residence
of Wladyslaw Lokietek and Kazimierz Wielki.
Today Wawel is a museum and a treasure trove of national remembrance.
This is not the end of our trip because the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland
is a perfect place for physical activity
thanks to the specialized amenities surrounding the trail.
The variety of tourist attractions is continually increasing,
further enriching the tourist experience.
In the summer time, there are hiking trails on Eagles' Nests Trail crossing
with the Jura Stronghold Trail and Zamonit Trail,
as well as children's camps, and bus sightseeing tours.
Those who enjoy cycling can use the biking paths,
mainly the Jura Eagles' Nests Bike Trail.
Motor enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush will also find something
driving jeeps and quads.
Jura is an ideal place for lovers of speleology, who enjoy penetrating caves
And finally, rock climbing enthusiasts, both beginners and advanced,
can climb under the watchful eye of instructors and care
of the Jura Mountain Rescue Group.
During the winter, you can do cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
A little madness on snowmobiles will satisfy even
the most demanding enthusiasts.
For those tourists who wish to stay longer, there is welcoming accommodation.
The palates of the most sophisticated foodies
will be satisfied with the local catering service.
Among the most famous local dishes are: zurek soup, grilled trout from Zloty Potok,
and potato prazonki that are celebrated during the World Festival of Prazonki
organized since 2003 in Poreba.
There are many more highlights in Krakow-Czestochowa Upland,
it is a place where time spent guarantees fulfilment, peace and complete relaxation.
Eagles' Nests Trail - Rise High.
There is still more to see.
Read by Krystyna Czubówna.