Staszów: Old Town, Church Art and Golejów

Staszów combines historic architecture with the “Golejów” natural and landscape complex within its boundaries; the nearby Golejów forest area is about three kilometres from Staszów. Different interests may shape your plans: church art and town history, or trails and woodland scenery. The historic sites also each have their own character—from a Gothic church building and the Renaissance layout of the Old Town to a monument with a history of changing locations.

Church Art and Architectural History

The Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew (św. Bartłomieja) was built of stone and brick in 1342–1343. Inside is a fresco depicting St. Bartholomew flayed. Another historic feature is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary (Kaplica Matki Boskiej Różańcowej), also known as the Tęczyński Chapel (Kaplica Tęczyńskich). Katarzyna z Leszczyńskich Tęczyńska had it built between 1610 and 1625. The chapel is attached to the church and serves as the burial mausoleum of her husband and son. The church complex thus brings together both medieval architectural history and the history of a later foundation.

The brick bell tower beside św. Bartłomieja dates from 1825 and was built in the Neoclassical style. It therefore differs from the Gothic church in both period and style. Those interested in architectural history can view the two buildings as distinct historical layers, rather than treating them as a single, uniform style.

The Market Square and Historic Town Plan

The historic centre of the Old Town has a Renaissance layout and is roughly square. Two streets meet at right angles at each corner. This clearly defined plan offers a distinct perspective on the town’s history: the shape of the centre is a subject in its own right, alongside individual buildings. The townhouses around the market square date from the 18th century.

The Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument stands in the market square. It was erected in 1864 and later moved several times—its history also includes changes of location. Another detail of the town’s history concerns the town hall tower: Count Alfred Potocki donated a clock for it in 1825. The monument, townhouses and town hall clock point to different aspects of the square, from public remembrance to a donation for the town hall.

Green Spaces and Trails Around Staszów

The “Golejów” natural and landscape complex lies within the boundaries of Staszów and includes a stand of pine and oak trees more than 140 years old. The Golejów forest area is also nearby, about three kilometres from Staszów. It has numerous forest trails and forest tracks for walks, hikes and cycling. Along the way, you can pick mushrooms, berries, blackberries and raspberries. The old trees and varied routes offer different experiences: the focus is both on the woodland scenery and on activities along forest trails and tracks.

A circular trail runs through Staszów and the nearby Golejów forests; it opened in November 2021. Another hiking and cycling route starts at the Golejów recreation centre and leads to Rytwiany. It is not marked, so check local conditions before setting out. The two routes are described differently: one is a circular trail, while the other is an unmarked route to Rytwiany.

There is also a green space within the town: Adama Bienia Park has walking paths, a playground and an outdoor municipal fitness area. These options for exercise and spending time outdoors complement the historic attractions of the market square and church.

Summer Event

The Dzień Chleba in Staszów has been permanently included in the calendar of summer open-air events in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the current edition in advance.

Discover more destinations:

Oleśnica, Kurozwęki, Korytnica, Budy, Osiek, Skarżysko-Kamienna, Wiązownica Mała, Rytwiany

For the main travel overview: Staszów.