Gardens

Podjasnogórskie Parks in Częstochowa

Between the centre of Częstochowa and the monastery on Jasna Góra stretch two municipal parks: Stanisław Staszic Park (5.45 ha) and May 3rd Park (6.39 ha). Their boundaries were marked out in 1819–1826, when the representative Avenue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was laid out, and work on the grounds began in 1843. Together with Sienkiewicz Avenue they cover 11.8 hectares, and their historic furnishings earned them the title of Monument of History.

The parks lie on the eastern slope of Jasna Góra, at 260–280 m above sea level, and together with the Jasna Góra fortress they appear in the heritage register under entries from 1947, 1972 and 1978.

Stanisław Staszic Park

Created in 1826, the park hides an Art Nouveau exhibition pavilion of the Częstochowa Museum, the Museum of Iron Ore Mining and Poland's only wooden peasant homestead. There is also an astronomical observatory and two pools joined by a narrow channel with a spurting fountain.

May 3rd Park

Laid out from 1938, the park is famous for its dendrological collection: over 1,500 trees and shrubs from 83 species and varieties, including rare black pines, Douglas firs and Chinese junipers. Chess players gather by the Stanisław Moniuszko monument, and the tennis courts are graced by a stylish pavilion.

Practical information

The parks are a few minutes' walk from the monastery along Avenue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The grounds are open to the public; check the opening hours of the Częstochowa Museum exhibition pavilions before your visit.