Devil's Bridge in Czerna

The Devil's Bridge in Czerna is the ruin of a stone bridge built in the 17th century by the hermits of a Carmelite hermitage over the stream in the Eliaszówka Valley. Resembling a Roman aqueduct, the structure is now a forest-covered ruin through which water tumbles in small cascades. It is one of the most interesting monuments of the Kraków Valleys and a good goal for a short walk from the Discalced Carmelite monastery.

The hermits' bridge

The bridge was built in 1671–1691. It led to the monastery from the Siedlec road, connecting it with the Carmelite estate in Siedlec. It was about 120 m long, 18 m high and 9.5 m wide. Over the deep ravine it rested on stone piers about 2 m thick – other sources give 11 arches, the PTTK tourist society 13 – had stone balustrades, and statues of saints stood at the entrance and exit.

The monks called it the Angels' Bridge, the locals the Devil's Bridge, and that name stuck – today it is also the official one. As early as 1843 the bridge was damaged in its central section, and from 1889, after part of the central arch collapsed, it was taken out of use. In the early 20th century its restoration was costed at 80,000 crowns – it never happened.

Legends

According to one tale, once a year all the devils and evil spirits gather here under the leadership of Lucifer, assisted by Beelzebub, while witches listen in. Another legend tells of a treasure of gold, silver and diamonds buried under the bridge and guarded by the devil. There is also a spirit that lies in wait on the bridge for the worst sinners and carries them off to the Czarny Staw pond in Tenczynek to drown them.

More in the valley

On the opposite bank are the ruins of a 17th-century monastery gate, a chapel and the Siedlec Gate. Beyond the gate stood a building with guest rooms, a stable and a laundry from 1673. The valley also has ruins of the Great Enclosure wall from 1672, which was about 4,180 m long and for over 150 years separated the Carmelite hermitages from the world. Part of the valley has been a nature reserve since 1989, and all of it lies within the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park.

Tripto tips

• Access: the ruins stand in the woods by the road to the monastery and can be visited at any time, free of charge.
• Safety: do not climb the walls – the structure is unstable. It can be slippery by the stream, so wear shoes with a good grip.
• Trails: the Jurassic Valleys Trail (from Olkusz to Paczółtowice) runs through the valley, as does a cycle route from Krzeszowice via the Eliaszówka Valley, Dębnik and Siedlec.
• Combine with: the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Czerna and Krzeszowice.