Gardens

Rudy Landscape Park

The Cistercian Landscape Compositions of Rudy Wielkie Landscape Park combines forests, rivers, ponds and meadows with the heritage of a former Cistercian abbey. It covers about 493.87 km² in the Racibórz Basin and the northern part of the Rybnik Plateau. Rudy is the main reference point, with its former Cistercian monastery and palace complex surrounded by a historic park.

A landscape shaped by the Cistercians

Cistercian monks came to Rudy from Jędrzejów in the mid-13th century. Over the centuries they developed the local economy, created ponds, mills and forges, and influenced the layout of roads and settlements. Today the landscape combines forests, the valleys of the Ruda, Sumina and Bierawka rivers, meadows, water bodies and traces of former abbey activity.

Nature and places to explore

The park contains more than 270 water bodies, while forests cover about 57 percent of its area. It is suitable for quiet walks, cycling and birdwatching. In Rudy, combine a park walk with the basilica, monastery, palace and exhibitions in the former Cistercian complex. The surrounding area also offers educational paths.

Visitor information

The landscape park has no single entrance, ticket or common opening hours, so choose a specific trail and check access before travelling. For individual visitors, the former monastery complex in Rudy currently lists daily visiting hours of 12:00–17:00, with possible exceptions during fairs and holidays. Check the abbey’s website for current rules. For longer walks, bring a map, water and footwear suitable for forest and wet sections.