Deutsch-Piekarn: Pilgrimage Tradition and Landscape

Deutsch-Piekarn (Piekary Śląskie) combines religious history with diverse landscapes and leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel, the reason for your trip can be a good starting point: the men’s pilgrimage takes place on a set date every year, while viewpoints, natural areas and cultural sites reveal other sides of the city. You can tailor your stay to the themes that interest you most.

Pilgrimage and Cultural History

The men’s pilgrimage in Piekary Śląskie has taken place without interruption since 1947, on the last Sunday in May. It draws large numbers of men and young men. If the pilgrimage is central to your trip, this recurring date gives you a specific point of reference for planning.

The history of the Kalwaria is also closely linked to the pilgrimage site. On December 31, 1854, plans for a Kalwaria as a place of pilgrimage were announced on Cerekwica Hill in Piekary Śląskie. Under parish priest Bernard Purkop, the project took concrete shape between 1862 and 1882. The dates mark different stages, from the announcement of the plan to its further development.

The Sanctuary Museum has three exhibition rooms. One is dedicated to the history of Marian devotion and the image of Our Lady of Piekary; another features mementos of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła’s time in Piekary. The third room displays selected exhibits from the chapels of the Kalwaria. The museum opened to pilgrims and parishioners on September 12, 2009.

The Obszar Warowny „Śląsk” fortification line offers another historical perspective. One of its most interesting and oldest sections is located in Piekary Śląskie. The city’s history, then, extends beyond its religious sites.

Landscapes Between Hills and Reservoir

Kocie Górki is one of the most interesting scenic areas in Piekary Śląskie. It includes numerous hills and rises, as well as small ponds and rock outcrops. Those interested in varied landscapes will find several different natural features in one place.

From Winna Góra in Kozłowa Góra, a district of Piekary Śląskie, you can see wide expanses of farmland, a panorama of the Świerklaniec Reservoir and the neighboring hill ranges. The view brings together open fields, the reservoir and the surrounding rises.

The protected Żabie Doły natural and scenic complex lies nearby. It is located in Chorzów and Bytom, on the border with Piekary Śląskie. The area is home to at least 129 breeding bird species, including at least 17 species that are rare in Upper Silesia. These figures give a concrete sense of the area’s importance as a habitat, without equating it with the scenic areas within Piekary.

Activities and Leisure

Following a major renovation, Kopiec Wyzwolenia was equipped in summer 2014 with a viewing telescope, a playground, walking paths and a mini fitness area. The hill became a place for walks and recreational outings for city residents. As facilities may change, check what is currently available before visiting if any of them are important to your plans.

MOSiR Piekary Śląskie facilities include a swimming pool, an ice rink, tennis courts, multi-purpose sports courts, a skate park and playgrounds. The recreation departments offer activities for children, young people and adults, encouraging interests, activity and a sense of community. Specific classes and some facilities may change, so check what is currently available in advance if you have a particular activity in mind.

The plateau in Piekary Śląskie also has potential for cycling and hiking tourism, thanks to its picturesque landscapes and cultural and natural assets. The different highlights can help you decide what to focus your stay on: the pilgrimage tradition, the landscapes and natural areas, or cultural history and leisure activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Piekary Śląskie, Tarnowitz, Katowice, Sosnowiec, Kłobuck, Hindenburg, Ruda Śląska, Teschen

Go to the main travel overview: Silesia.