The ruins of Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd are a monumental witness to Poland's former magnificence. This impressive building, erected in 1627-1644 by Sandomierz voivode Krzysztof Ossolinski, was one of the most impressive residences in the 17th-century Republic. The castle was built according to the calendar - it had 4 towers (symbolizing the seasons), 12 halls (months), 52 rooms (weeks) and 365 windows (days of the year). This fascinating combination of Mannerist and Baroque architecture still arouses admiration among visitors today. Unfortunately, after the destruction by the Swedes in 1655, the castle never regained its former glory and remains a picturesque ruin that, especially in the evenings, with the right lighting, creates an eerie atmosphere of mystery.

There are many legends associated with the castle. One of them speaks of the hidden treasure of the Ossolinskis, which supposedly still rests somewhere in the vaults. Another tells of the ghost of Ossolinski's daughter, who died tragically and wanders the ruins to this day. These tales add extra charm to the place and make the visit even more fascinating. Price-wise, a visit to the castle is relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to any tourist.

The second historical gem of the region is the Medieval Settlement in the Glassworks near Holy Cross. This unique place allows you to travel back in time to the Middle Ages and experience what life was like for our ancestors. The settlement has been reconstructed with attention to historical details, making it an authentic journey into the past. Here you can see traditional huts, a blacksmith's workshop, a bakery and even a medieval inn. Particularly interesting are the demonstrations of handicrafts - from earthenware making to weaving and blacksmithing.

The settlement is located at the foot of Bald Mountain (Holy Cross), which in pagan times was the site of witches' Sabbaths. According to legends, it was here that witches met to perform their secret rituals. Today, the mountain is better known as Holy Cross - the site of Poland's oldest shrine to the Relics of the Holy Cross Tree. This fascinating mix of pagan beliefs and Christian tradition gives the place a unique character.

Visiting the settlement is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to actively participate in the life of the medieval community. Craft workshops are organized here, during which you can try your hand at ancient techniques of making everyday items. This is an excellent attraction for families with children, who can learn about the history and traditions of the region in an accessible way. Ticket prices are at an average level, and the educational and entertainment value far outweighs the cost of admission.

Miedzianka is one of the most fascinating places on the geological map of Świętokrzyskie. This small inanimate nature reserve hides a remarkable history dating back 500 million years. Mount Miedzianka, rising 356 meters above sea level, is a remnant of intense volcanic activity from the Devonian period. Its name comes from the copper deposits that have been mined here since the 14th century. Walking along the paths of the reserve, one can admire not only beautiful landscapes, but also traces of ancient mining - the remains of adits and mining shafts.

The most interesting part of Miedzianka is the variety of minerals that can be found here. In addition to copper, malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite and many others are found here. For geology lovers, this is a real paradise. It is worth knowing that the rocks of Miedzianka are among the oldest in Poland, dating back to the Cambrian period, which makes this place extremely valuable from a scientific point of view. Visiting the reserve is free, which is an additional advantage of this attraction.

Near Miedzianka is the Piekło Cave - another geological wonder of the Świętokrzyskie region. This small karst cave, located in Skiby, was formed by the dissolution of limestone rocks by water. Despite its short length (only 57 meters), the cave impresses with its rock formations and mysterious atmosphere. The name 'Hell' comes from a local legend, according to which the cave was said to be home to the devil, who lured stray wanderers by the light of a lamp on winter evenings.

The interior of the cave consists of several chambers connected by narrow passages. The most distinctive feature is the three entrance holes, which form natural rock windows. According to local legends, through these openings the devil watched the area, looking out for potential victims. The Hell Cave, although not as spectacular as the Paradise Cave (one of the most beautiful caves in Poland, also located in the Świętokrzyskie region), has its own unique charm and mystery. Admission to the cave is free, making it accessible to all tourists.

A completely different kind of underwater adventure is offered by OCEANIKA in Chrusty - a unique aquarium that takes visitors into the fascinating world of the ocean depths. It is a place where you can admire exotic fish and other sea creatures from different corners of the world. OCEANIKA is not only an exhibition, but also an educational center where you can learn more about underwater life and the ecology of the seas and oceans.

The aquarium is divided into several thematic zones, presenting different aquatic ecosystems - from coral reefs to the cold waters of the northern seas. Particularly impressive are the large tanks with sharks and rays, which can be observed from very close up. For the little ones there are interactive stations where they can touch some of the sea creatures and learn more about their lives. OCEANIKA also offers special fish feeding shows, which are an added attraction, especially for children. Ticket prices are at an average level, but the educational value and experience of the visit definitely make up for the cost of admission.

Sabat Krajno PARK of Amusement and Miniatures is a place that combines fun and education in a uniquely attractive way. Located in the picturesque village of Krajno-Zagórze, at the foot of Lysa Góra, the park offers a number of attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the park's most distinctive features is the Miniature Park 'World in Miniature', where visitors can admire finely crafted replicas of the most famous buildings from around the world - from the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty to the Colosseum. The miniatures are made on a scale of 1:25, which allows you to appreciate the architectural details while embracing the entire structure with your eyes.

In addition to the miniatures, Sabat Krajno offers numerous entertainment attractions - from carousels and roller coasters to a climbing wall and a rope park. Particularly popular is the 'Avenue of the Stars', where you can see wax figures of famous personalities from the world of film, music and sports. The park also organizes a variety of themed events, especially during the summer, which makes the visit even more attractive. Ticket prices are at an average level, and given the number of attractions available, this represents good value for money.

The name 'Sabbath' refers to local legends about witches who were said to meet on nearby Bald Mountain. Numerous references to these legends can be found in the park, which adds to the mysterious character of the place. According to the legends, witches came to Lysa Gora from all over Poland to participate in Sabbaths, during which they worshipped the forces of nature and performed magical rituals. These stories are deeply rooted in local culture and are an important part of the identity of the Świętokrzyskie region.

Comparing all the described attractions, it is worth noting their diversity and complementarity. The ruins of Krzyztopór Castle and the Medieval Settlement offer a journey through time and an opportunity to learn about the history of the region. These are places where you can spend several hours delving into ancient history. Miedzianka and Hell Cave, on the other hand, are natural attractions, ideal for geology and hiking enthusiasts. The sightseeing time here is slightly shorter, but the experience is just as intense. OCEANIKA and Sabat Krajno are more entertaining proposals, aimed especially at families with children, where you can spend the whole day enjoying numerous attractions.

In terms of accessibility, all the places described are relatively easy to visit. However, it is best to plan a trip by car, which will allow you to move freely between attractions. It is also worth noting the seasonality - some places, such as Sabat Krajno or OCEANIKA, offer full attractions during the summer season, while the ruins of Krzyztopór Castle or the caves can be visited all year round.

The Świętokrzyskie region, although not as popular as the Tatra Mountains or the Masuria region, offers an unusually wide range of attractions that will satisfy the tastes of even the most demanding tourists. From fascinating history to unique geological formations to modern amusement parks, there is something for everyone. What's more, the region's lower popularity means less crowded attractions and the possibility of quiet sightseeing without crowds, which is an added advantage, especially during the holiday season. Swietokrzyskie is a region worth rediscovering, off the beaten tourist track, to experience its true, magical character.