Grojec – Panoramas and Cultural Heritage

Landscape and Archaeological Traces in Grojec

If you want to take landscape and cultural history into account when choosing your destination, Grojec offers several different points of interest. The hilly surroundings open up sweeping views and panoramas; the outlines of the Beskid Mały can also be seen from the area. This makes it possible to get to know the place through both its landscape and its specific archaeological and cultural connections.

On Góra Grojecka, at 270.3 metres above sea level, lies a Neolithic settlement of the Lengyel culture. Traces of a Lusatian culture rampart can also be found on the summit. The elevation of 270.3 metres refers to the settlement, while the rampart is identified by its association with the Lusatian culture. A settlement site and traces of a fortification thus offer two distinct archaeological perspectives.

Cultural History in the Area

Cultural history also has several facets: St. Lawrence Parish Church in Grojec is one of the stops on the Wooden Architecture Route, while Grojec and Łazy were venues for national and international plein-air painting events. The first connection places a specific building on an architectural route; the second reflects a historical cultural use of both places. For travellers wishing to distinguish between art and architecture, these offer two separate perspectives on local history.

The historic park in the Grojec castle and park complex is the subject of a visitor-access and restoration project and is entered in the heritage register of the Małopolska Voivodeship. The park thus adds a heritage perspective to the area's profile.

Auschwitz as the Wider Destination

In the wider destination of Auschwitz, the grounds and buildings of the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps are open to visitors; the standard guided tour lasts about three and a half hours. Allow approximately this amount of time and check the latest visitor information before your visit. The remains of the camps are inscribed on the World Heritage List.

For local history, the Muzeum Zamek in Oświęcim offers a permanent exhibition, thematic temporary exhibitions and events. The Jewish Museum opens the Chewra Lomdei Misznajot Synagogue to visitors and runs educational programmes about the Jewish community of Oświęcim. The wider destination thus offers both exhibitions on local history and educational programmes about the history of the Jewish community.

Recreation and outdoor activities are also among the attractions of the wider destination of Auschwitz. Bulwary Park is a recreational area on the Soła, right next to Oświęcim's Market Square and castle. The Szlak Murali leads to a unique collection of monumental murals on buildings in various parts of the city. The 54-kilometre-long Szlak Zabytków Ziemi Oświęcimskiej runs through the Gmina Oświęcim. Oświęcim is also an important railway hub, with InterCity and EuroCity connections; check the latest timetables.

Another nature-related attraction in the wider destination is Żaki: the forest nature reserve covers 17.52 hectares and is located near Stawy Monowskie in the Dwory Drugie district. The forest nature reserve and the urban recreational area of Bulwary thus offer different nature and recreation experiences.

Discover more destinations: Zator, Jawiszowice, Łęki, Brzeszcze, Bielany, Nowa Wieś, Kęty, Skidzin

Go to the wider travel overview: Auschwitz.