Pilica Reservoir

A few steps from the market square in Pilica, right by the springs of the river of the same name, lies a small reservoir whose shore offers a view of the town's church towers. In summer it has a bathing area with marked swimming zones and WOPR lifeguards; out of season the banks belong to walkers and anglers. The Pilica river, which starts nearby, is the longest left-bank tributary of the Vistula, 319 km long.

At the source of the Pilica

The river rises from two karst springs close to the town, in the central part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Its basin covers 8,341 km², and in its lower course, near Sulejów, it forms the much larger Sulejów Reservoir – not to be confused with this small lake. The town itself keeps the clear layout of its foundation under Magdeburg law in the late 14th century: a trapezoid market square with streets leaving its corners along former trade routes.

Swimming and fishing

The reservoir lies on 17 Stycznia Street. The Zawiercie county authority describes it as open to everyone, guarded by lifeguards in summer and good for anglers out of season. The municipality notes that during the season there are marked bathing areas watched over by WOPR lifeguards. There are also fishing ponds nearby.

Tripto tip

The reservoir makes a good final stop on a day out in the area: the Trail of the Eagles' Nests passes through Pilica, and the ruins of Smoleń Castle stand a few kilometres away. The Padniewski Palace also stands not far from the water. Before swimming, check the current water-quality notice on the national bathing-water service run by Poland's Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, as the status of bathing sites changes from season to season. Allow 30–60 minutes for a walk around the water and a short rest, and another half hour for the market square with its reconstructed well and the outline of the old town hall foundations.