Pilgrimage and mining history reveal two very different sides of the Wodzisław destination. In Pszów, the church, chapels and sanctuary take centre stage; the Górnicza Sztolnia Ćwiczebna and a former headframe offer further insights into industrial history. Forest and pond landscapes, along with a cycling route, complement the cultural discoveries.
Pilgrimage and Sacred Architecture
Kalwaria Pszowska comprises a church and fourteen Neo-Baroque chapels depicting the Stations of the Cross. Together with the nearby sanctuary in Pszów, it is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Silesia. Since 2002, the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Pszów has officially been the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Smile. The church housing the basilica was built in 1747.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Turza Śląska also has regular monthly dates: Days for the Sick are held there on the 13th of each month, and nights of penance and reparation take place from the night of the 29th to the 30th. Check the dates locally before your trip.
Mining History Below and Above Ground
The Górnicza Sztolnia Ćwiczebna has about 500 metres of underground mine workings, with mining machinery and other equipment. It invites visitors to experience the atmosphere of a real mine and also serves as an unusual local heritage centre commemorating the mining traditions of Wodzisław Śląski. Underground workings and machinery come together here with memories of the area’s mining history.
The Wieża Widokowa Jan in Pszów offers a different perspective on this subject. It is a former headframe on the site of the former Anna mine; its highest viewing platform is over 23 metres high. Underground mine workings and a historic headframe thus stand side by side as different points of reference.
The city museum in Wodzisław Śląski Castle presents an exhibition on the history of the city and region, from prehistory to the present day. Check visitor access before your visit.
Forest Landscapes, Ponds and Cycling Route
Szwajcaria Czyżowicka, also known as Cza-Cza, is considered a picturesque forest complex in the village of Czyżowice. Gentle hills and small ponds define the landscape. The Powiatu Wodzisławskiego cycling tour is a 53-kilometre route, No. 316, from Wodzisław Śląski to Olza. It also runs from Gorzyce through Osiny to Czyżowice, where it reaches the particularly scenic Szwajcaria Czyżowicka section. Check local signs before setting off.
At Stawy Wielikąt, it is important to follow the visitor rules: entering the ponds is prohibited. Birds can be observed from the bays along the Lubomia–Buków road. The options here are clearly distinct: the cycling route passes through the landscape, while birdwatching takes place from the bays mentioned above.
Rope Courses, Cycling Tracks and Wooden Architecture
The Rodzinny Park Rozrywki “Trzy Wzgórza” covers 24 hectares and has several dozen facilities. These include a tree-top adventure park with zip lines and other rope obstacles, as well as cycling tracks for BMX racing, slopestyle, dirt jumping and pump track. The activities can be chosen according to interest: rope obstacles in the tree-top park or cycling tracks for the four named disciplines.
Another example of sacred architecture is the wooden Rosary Chapel in Buków. It dates from 1770 and lies on the Silesian Wooden Architecture Route. Its exact construction date and inclusion in the themed route offer two different points of reference for understanding the building’s history.
Discover more destinations: Wodzisław Śląski, Rydułtowy, Pszów, Skrzyszów, Syrynia, Borowa, Mszana, Połomia, Radlin.
View the wider travel overview: Silesia.
