Staszów combines distinctive architectural history with trails in the surrounding countryside: in the historic center, the Renaissance layout of the almost square Old Town stands out; near Golejów, there are woodland paths and forest tracks. This makes it easy to choose between local history, time in nature, or a combination of both for a short trip. When planning, you can decide whether to focus more on the town’s buildings or on walks and bike rides in the forest.
Old Town and architectural history
Staszów’s Old Town has a Renaissance layout. Its almost square plan has two streets at each corner, each running at right angles to the other. This regular pattern makes the town plan itself a point of interest alongside the individual buildings. Townhouses dating from the 18th century line the Rynek. The square and the houses connect the Old Town’s spatial order with a specific architectural period.
The Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew was built of stone and brick in 1342–1343. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, also called the Tęczyński Chapel, is attached to it. Katarzyna z Leszczyńskich Tęczyńska had the chapel built in 1610–1625; it serves as the tomb mausoleum of her husband and son. Inside the church is a fresco depicting St. Bartholomew flayed. The brick bell tower beside the church was built in 1825 in the classical style.
The Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument stands on the Rynek; it was erected in 1864 and later moved several times. Another trace of local history leads to Staszów Town Hall: Count Alfred Potocki donated a clock for its tower in 1825. Together with the 18th-century townhouses, these landmarks trace a timeline from the townscape to the history of remembrance in the 19th century.
Woodland trails around Golejów
The “Golejów” nature and landscape complex lies within the boundaries of Staszów and includes a stand of pine and oak trees more than 140 years old. In the nearby Golejów forest, about three kilometers from Staszów, there are numerous woodland paths and forest tracks for walks, hikes and bike rides. Along the way, you can pick mushrooms, berries, blackberries and raspberries.
A circular trail through Staszów and the nearby Golejów forests opened in November 2021. A separate, unmarked hiking and cycling route starts at the Golejów recreation center and leads to Rytwiany. The routes therefore differ in their descriptions: one is a loop through Staszów and the nearby forests; the other begins in Golejów and ends in Rytwiany. Before setting out on the unmarked route, check local conditions.
More things to do in town
Adam Bienia Park in Staszów has walking paths, a playground and outdoor fitness facilities. This means you can also plan some time outdoors in town without focusing your entire stay on woodland trails.
Staszów’s Dzień Chleba (Bread Day) is a permanent fixture in the calendar of summer outdoor events in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. If you would like to include it in your trip, check the dates of the current edition in advance.
Discover more destinations: Skarżysko-Kamienna, Korytnica, Budy, Rytwiany, Wiązownica Mała, Osiek, Oleśnica, Kurozwęki.
Back to the main travel overview: Staszów.
