Visitors choosing Gniazdów as a destination will encounter two distinct highlights: Mariavite history and specific trails that start in the village or are part of an equestrian trail project. The 21-kilometre Szlak Żarecki offers a clear focus on walking; the parish and the Church of St Mary Magdalene provide further points of interest for those interested in culture. There is also a hilly landscape and local traditions. You can tailor your stay to your cultural or outdoor interests.

Mariavite history in the village

The Mariavite parish based in Gniazdów received state approval to operate on 2 (15) February 1909. It is considered the present-day centre of Mariavitism in the Silesian and Lesser Poland Voivodeships; it has filial churches in Koziegłowy and Kraków. The parish therefore has a local base as well as a regional connection.

The Mariavite Church of St Mary Magdalene in Gniazdów is listed in the municipal register of monuments. The parish and the church offer different points of reference: the parish can be understood through its historical approval and regional role, while the church is identified by its listing in the register of monuments.

Walking trail and equestrian trail project

The yellow Szlak Żarecki walking trail (Cz–1010) is 21 km long and starts in Gniazdów. From there, it runs through Koziegłowy, Miłość, Kuźnica Nowa, Lgota Nadwarcie, Żarki Letnisko, Koza, Żarki, Leśniów and Przewodziszowice. The trail length and the named places provide two concrete points of reference: its scale and its route beyond Gniazdów.

Another trail-related attraction is the T.R.E.C. course, established in 2015. It is part of an intermunicipal equestrian trail project involving the municipalities of Koziegłowy, Poraj and Żarki. The course is open to the public and free of charge; check its current operating status before visiting. Gniazdów thus offers both a walking trail and a separate equestrian trail connection, appealing to different outdoor interests.

Gniazdów lies in a hilly landscape, with elevations of up to 380 m above sea level.

Traditions and events

A 2018 municipal report describes the school’s nativity play tour in Gniazdów as a tradition. On 6 January, the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, it visited churches in Mzyki and Gniazdów. The venues named in Gniazdów included the Roman Catholic Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Mariavite Church of St Mary Magdalene. The tradition thus brings together two churches in Gniazdów and a school event held on a clearly specified religious feast day.

Another event with clearly defined dates was the “Z Kopyta” Festival for Horse and Music Lovers. The seventh edition was announced for 8 and 9 August 2026 in Gniazdów, near Koziegłowy. The programme described for that edition brought together horses, music, motor vehicles and entertainment for the whole family. Unlike the school’s religious tradition, this event focused on a broader leisure programme.

A historical landmark in the surrounding area

Koziegłowy Castle once stood between Koziegłowy and Gniazdów. Its foundation remains can be seen behind “Kamionka”, on the other side of the DK road. This nearby historical landmark adds another story from the area around Gniazdów to the churches and traditions in the village.

Discover more destinations

Żarki-Letnisko, Myszków, Przybynow, Gorzków Stary, Ogorzelnik, Koziegłowy, Lgota Górna, Niegowa

For the broader travel overview: Myszków.