Jasna Cave in Strzegowa

Among the fields outside the village of Strzegowa rises a wooded limestone rock, and two large openings gape in its northern face. Jasna Cave (the name means "bright cave") gets its name from the fact that almost all of it is lit by daylight. In the Late Palaeolithic it was used by people, and even earlier by cave bears.

History of discovery

Local people had known the cave for a long time, and it was first mentioned in print in 1912. Archaeological digs in 1947 and 1949 uncovered eight cultural layers in its sediments. The deepest contained animal remains, including those of cave bears; higher up were traces of Late Palaeolithic camps, and the youngest layer dated from the Neolithic. Further research in 1992–1994 showed that flint axes were made on a large scale on top of the rock.

What to see

The cave lies in a rock called Ścianki (also known as Jamy), rising to 411 m above sea level on the Częstochowa Upland, part of the Polish Jura. Behind the lower opening is a large chamber with heavily smoothed walls. In its western part narrow passages climb steeply upwards over rock steps, and a partly collapsed passage leads to a second section known as the Fox Holes. A vertical shaft drops from the top of the rock into the large chamber, letting in light.

The rock and cave are a popular climbing spot: about 50 routes of 10–12 metres have been set up in the cave and on the surrounding walls, most of them with certified bolts.

Tripto tip

The rock stands among fields on the western edge of Strzegowa, about 630 metres from regional road 794, so you will walk the last stretch. This is an undeveloped wild cave with no visitor facilities or lighting. Take care on top of the rock: there are holes in it through which you could fall into the cave. Allow 30–60 minutes, and bring a torch for the side passages. Nearby you will find the Clock Rocks in the Wodąca Valley and the ruins of Pilcza Castle in Smoleń.