Bicycle trail around Sandomierz (Black)

The trail allows you to get to know the immediate surroundings of Sandomierz, which are known primarily for their fruit-growing traditions. It is therefore worth going on a trip during the flowering period of fruit trees, when white and pink carpets stretch almost to the horizon.

The trail runs through a beautiful, picturesque area. It runs mainly along local asphalt roads - often in the ravines characteristic of this area, as well as gravel roads. Some roads cross directly through fruit orchards, which is an additional attraction on the trail.

The terrain along the trail is highly undulating. There are long driveways in several places.

In addition to the landscape values, the greatest attraction on the trail is the royal city of Sandomierz. The medieval town located on seven hills is famous for over 120 architectural monuments from various eras. Sandomierz was the seat of princes (Henryk Sandomierski, Bolesław Kędzierzawy, Leszek the White, Bolesław the Chaste) and the residence of kings (Casimir the Just). Its origins date back to the 10th century. It developed as an important settlement on the trade route to Krakow and eastern Europe. In recent years, Sandomierz has gained fame thanks to the series "Ojciec Matuszu", which takes place in the city. The most valuable monuments of Sandomierz include:

The medieval town square with the 14th-century town hall in the center and 30 historic tenement houses surrounding it. The central place is occupied by the town hall from the mid-14th century. Its Renaissance attic dates from the 16th century and is considered one of the most beautiful in Poland (probably by J. M. Padovano).

The Opatowska Gate is the only one of the four former entrance gates to the city that has survived. Erected in the second half of the 14th century during the times of Casimir the Great. Centuries ago, the Opatowska Gate served the defenders of Sandomierz, now there is an excellent viewing point from which, with good visibility, you can view the area up to 80-90 km away.

Church of St. Ducha is located right next to the Opatowska Gate and connected to the monastery (and the adjacent hospital). It was founded in 1312 by the castellan of Krakow, Żegota. This temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It is a single-nave church with an elongated chancel. From the north there is a monastery chapel. The architecture of the altar wall was made in 1770 by Maciej Rejchan.

Church of St. James is one of the most valuable monuments of Romanesque architecture in Sandomierz and Poland. It was built in the years 1226–50 for the needs of the Dominican Order. The founder was the Bishop of Krakow, Iwo Odrowąż. The peculiarity of the temple, apart from its wonderful interior and decoration, is a 13th-century display case with the bones of martyred monks, excavated from the graves of the courtyard, bearing traces of Tatar arrows. The church's bell tower houses the oldest church bells in Poland, from 1314 and 1389. It is a three-nave basilica. From the south, a wing of the former monastery adjoins its presbytery.

Collegiate Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – built in the second half of the 19th century 14th century on the site of a church mentioned already in 1148. In 1119, Casimir the Just established a collegiate chapter at this church. The current church was built by Casimir the Great in 1360–82. The collegiate church was destroyed and rebuilt many times. In 1960, it was raised to the dignity of a minor basilica. It is a three-nave, hall building. The rich furnishings of its interior are particularly noteworthy. In the years 1186–1207, Wincenty Kadłubek served as the church's provost.

Collegium Gostomianum is one of the oldest secondary schools in Poland. It was founded in 1602 by Hieronim Gostomski. The heroes of S. Żeromski's "Ashes" (Rafał Wolbromski and Krzysztof Cedro) studied here.

The castle was first mentioned in the chronicle of Janek of Czarnków as a building erected by Casimir the Great. Destroyed, rebuilt and rebuilt many times. It was built in 1349 on the site of a former stronghold that had existed since the 10th century. From the 16th century, it served as a royal residence. Destroyed during the "Deluge" in 1656, only one wing survived, which was transformed by John III Sobieski into the main body. In 1817, it was used as a prison, which existed until 1959. The surviving and renovated wing houses the Castle Museum.

Natural attractions in the immediate area include gorges formed from loess soil. The most beautiful are the "Królowa Jadwigi" and "Piszczele" gorges.

In Sandomierz, visiting historical monuments can also be combined with rest on the Vistula River, a boat ride or fishing.

Mileage [according to important towns and points on the trail]

Sandomierz (ul. Mickiewicza) – Gołębice 2.9 km – Ocinek 4.6 km – Wysiadłów 6.9 km – Chwałki Dolne 10.5 km – Kobierniki 13.2 km – Andruszkowice 16.4 km – Zawisełcze 18.8 km – Sandomierz (ul. Koseły) 21.6 km

Surface

Asphalt road – 16.0km/74%

Gravel road – 4.2km/19.5%

Concrete road – 1.0km/4.5%

Dirt road – 0.4km/2%

Trail marking

In places where the signs appear, the trail has been marked in accordance with the Instructions for Marking Tourist Trails of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society, i.e. with a bicycle symbol on a white background and a guide sign in the color corresponding to the trail (black).