The monastery complex on Święta Góra in Głogówko near Gostyń is a prominent cultural landmark of the region. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when a wooden chapel was built there. Since 2008, the complex has been a Polish Historic Monument and is considered the only example nationwide of the importation of pure Italian Baroque. It is described as the most important architectural monument in the Gostyń area. Here, an early origin and a distinctive art-historical classification come together.
Since 2006, the Musica Sacromontana oratorio music festival has been held nearby on Święta Góra near Gostyń. It is organised by the Association of Friends of Music on Święta Góra “Józef Zeidler”. Alongside the site’s architectural history, this offers a distinct musical perspective on the place.
Town Hall History and Religious Heritage
Gostyń Town Hall acquired its present form between 1910 and 1912 and has been remodelled several times. A plaque on the front, adorned with a risalit, commemorates the victims of Nazi terror. Architectural history and remembrance thus meet in the same building.
Another historical landmark in time is in Poniec: the foundation stone for the town hall was laid there on 6 September 1842, and it was put into service on 15 October 1843. The Sanctuary of Our Lady in Zdzież houses the image of Our Lady of Borek, which is venerated as miraculous. Together, the town hall, monastery and sanctuary offer different insights into the architectural and religious history of Gostyń County.
Woodland Landscapes and Regional Culture
The Bodzewko nature reserve preserves a natural linden forest and an oak-hornbeam ecosystem. Szwajcaria godurowska is a picturesque, wooded area reached by a field path from Godurowo towards the forest. The two landscapes offer different points of interest: Bodzewko is characterised by its forest ecosystems, while the wooded surroundings and the path from Godurowo provide a point of reference at Szwajcaria godurowska.
In Gostyń County, cycle paths and cycling routes form a network of more than 200 kilometres in total. Check the latest conditions before setting off. Biskupizna offers a cultural complement: this folkloric subregion associated with the county is known for its distinctive costumes, music and customs. This extends the focus beyond individual buildings to regional forms of expression.
Greater Poland: A Distinctive Regional Perspective
The wider travel destination of Greater Poland offers further nature and educational attractions. Wielkopolski National Park protects a glacier-shaped landscape with forest and lake ecosystems among meadows, fields and erratic boulders. Its 18 strictly protected areas preserve glacial landforms, near-natural plant communities and the animals associated with them.
The Osowa Góra–Jeziory and Nadwarciański educational trails have different focuses. Osowa Góra–Jeziory is 5.5 kilometres long one way, and the walk takes three hours. The trail introduces basic plant communities and the natural features of the strictly protected areas; it ends at a viewpoint overlooking the castle island in Lake Góreckie. The 5.5-kilometre Nadwarciański educational trail has a stated walking time of three and a half hours. It follows the Warta and showcases habitats ranging from poplar-willow riparian forest to pine forests.
The Muzeum Przyrodnicze WPN in Jeziory is also part of the region’s nature offering. Its permanent exhibition is housed in four rooms on the ground floor of the Wielkopolski National Park Directorate building. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 14:00 and on Sundays from 1 April to 30 September from 11:00 to 18:00. Check the opening hours before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Stezyca, Gostyń, Magdalenki, Leonów, Piaski, Krobia, Ostrowo, Borek Wielkopolski.
See the wider travel overview: Greater Poland.
