Viewpoints

Quarry and Observation Tower in Józefów on the Roztocze

In Babia Dolina on Słoneczna street in Józefów, in the Central Roztocze, lies the largest and most extensive of the local quarries of Tertiary sandstones and limestones — a band of old workings that shaped the character of this stonemasons' town. Officially extraction has ceased here, though sandstone is still occasionally quarried.

A tower overlooking all of Roztocze

Opening hours and access rules for the tower may change; check the current information on the Józefów municipality website before travelling.

A stonemasons' town and Pastuszko's sculptures

Józefów has lived off stone for centuries — the tradition is visible everywhere: along the roads into town stand stone sculptures by the local artist Jan Pastuszka. In the quarry rocks keep an eye out for fossils and shell imprints — Roztocze was once a sea floor. It is also worth knowing that Józefów's millers and stonemasons were described by Józef Hen, who grew up here, in "Run, Boy, Run".

In practice

The quarry lies on Słoneczna street, a short distance from Józefów's market square; the walk from the centre takes a dozen or so minutes. Allow about an hour for the tower and a stroll through the workings, and while you're there visit the square with its wooden architecture and the nearby ravine trails — the Krasnobród and Zwierzyniec ravines are within a short drive.