Nature

Eliaszówka Valley

The Eliaszówka Valley lies between Czerna and Paczółtowice, near Krzeszowice in the Kraków–Częstochowa Upland. Its most wooded section is protected as a nature reserve created in 1989 and lies within the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park. The stream now called Krzeszówka was formerly known as Eliaszówka.

Forest, rocks and springs

The valley has beech woods, limestone outcrops, side ravines and small cascades. The best-known spring is the Spring of St. Elijah, also called the Spring of Love; the Spring of St. Elisha is nearby. Its distinctive stone-heart shape makes it a worthwhile stop on a short walk. The water is not suitable for direct consumption.

The monastery and Devil’s Bridge

The key historic site is the 17th-century complex of Discalced Carmelite buildings in Czerna. Remains of hermitages and the Siedlecka Gate survive in the woods, while the ruins of the 17th-century Devil’s Bridge rise above the valley floor. The bridge once connected the monastery with the hills on the opposite side. The monastery, church and museum are separate visiting points and may have their own opening hours.

Practical information

The clearest route is the red walking loop around the valley: 3.6 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes and 239 m of ascent. It starts and ends in Czerna, passing the monastery and Devil’s Bridge. The valley is free to explore and accessible year-round, but paths can be steep, rocky and slippery after rain; they are not suitable for wheelchairs. Allow 1.5–3 hours, park only where permitted and follow the reserve signs.