Nature

Kadzielnia Nature Reserve in Kielce

A limestone rock in the middle of the city: Kadzielnia rises in the south-western part of Kielce to 295 m above sea level, and its rocks formed in the coral reef of a warm sea in the Upper Devonian. The hill's culmination is Skała Geologów — the last relic of the former mountain.

From quarry to reserve

Limestone was extracted here from the 17th century, mostly for lime burning. After mining ended, groundwater filled the excavation, creating the Emerald Lake (Jezioro Szmaragdowe). Today Kadzielnia is a reserve of inanimate nature and lies within the Świętokrzyski UNESCO Geopark.

The caves

More than 20 caves have been documented in the rocks of Kadzielnia — one of the best-known karst sites of the Świętokrzyskie region. The longest are Szczelina (200 m), Prochownia (111 m) and Jaskinia Wschodnia (108 m). Since 2004 three of them have been linked by the tourist route of the Cave of Discoverers (Jaskinia Odkrywców).

The amphitheatre and adrenaline

At the foot of the rocks stands a large amphitheatre known from concerts and televised shows, while thrill-seekers can try a 600 m zipline with three sections, suspended up to 40 m above the ground. Entry to the reserve is free and the site is accessible around the clock; there is a car park on Poniatowskiego street.