Tatar Mound in Przemyśl

On Zniesienie hill, which rises above Przemyśl to the south, stands a man-made mound that legend says holds the grave of a Tatar khan. Historians date it to the late 9th century and link it with the presence of the Magyars, and from its top (352 m above sea level) you can see both the San valley and the first ranges of the Carpathians. Around the mound survive the ramparts and moats of the Austrian fortifications of Przemyśl Fortress.

Legend and history

According to legend, the Tatars raised the mound as a tomb for their khan, killed in battle near Przemyśl, and the hill's name — Zniesienie — is said to commemorate the "wiping out" of the Tatar army. The mound is also called Przemysław's Mound, after the legendary founder of the town. Researchers, however, connect its origins with the late 9th century and the Magyars' passage through the region. For centuries the hill served as an important lookout in the defence of the Przemyśl area.

In the second half of the 19th century the Austrians made Zniesienie part of the inner ring of Przemyśl Fortress. Closest to the mound is battery XVI b "Kopiec Tatarski", while the largest structure is Fort XVI "Zniesienie" — three redoubts joined into a single position capable of all-round defence. Moats, earth ramparts with traverses sheltering ready-rooms, and the ruins of a concrete bunker survive; the bunker was blown up just before the fortress surrendered to the Russians in 1915.

What you will see

• A panorama of the Sandomierz Basin and the San-Dniester Plateau, with the Sanok-Turka Mountains and the Przemyśl Foothills to the south.
• Fort XVI "Zniesienie" — its exposed sections also offer views over the town.
• Battery XVI b "Kopiec Tatarski" right next to the mound.
• The Cross of Trust (Krzyż Zawierzenia), erected in 2000 near the fort.
• A fortress gate beside the TV mast, with the upper station of the ski slope next to it.

Recreation on Zniesienie

In 2006 a ski area with three runs, a chairlift and a year-round toboggan run opened on the slopes of the hill. This makes Zniesienie not only a viewpoint but also a place for an active day with children — check the lift and toboggan run opening times with the operator before you go.

Tripto tip

The mound is on open public ground, and the views are best on clear days, especially before sunset. Allow about an hour for the mound and a short walk, or one and a half to two hours if you also explore Fort XVI. The fort ruins are not secured, so keep an eye on children, especially in winter and after rain. Back down in town, combine your visit with Casimir Castle, the market square and the forts of the fortress's outer ring.