Green Velo

A cultural bike marathon with the possibility of lounging around on the Chańcza reservoir – an excellent choice for those who wish to both sightsee and relax on a sandy beach. You can find out why Raków was visited by the greatest thinkers of the 16th century, see the Polish plum capital, Szydłów – known as the “Polish Carcassonne”, visit the monumental palace in Kurozwęki and stand eye to eye with a bison. Adventure awaits cyclists among the greatest historical monuments of the region and an unforgettable trip through the forests around the Chańcza reservoir.
 

The adventure starts in the Main Square in Raków. It is worth paying attention to the town, which, in the 16th century, was buzzing with residents and newcomers from Europe and, up until the 17th century, was the capital of Arianism. From Raków, follow Kościelna Street and cross the bridge on the Czarna River. After traversing the busy but rather monotonous stretch of asphalt road, you will be rewarded by forests and Chańcza, the largest reservoir in the area. In the summer, it is a great place for lovers of sunbathing as well as surfing, regattas or kayaking. The forest areas accompany the cyclists to Korytnica, where a stud farm is located. The next stage is the stretch to Szydłów with a fairly tiring uphill ride along orchards. It is worth making the effort, because there is no town in Poland like Szydłów. It is the capital of Polish plums – in the town centre, you can buy original Szydłów plum brandy.

The road from Szydłów, travelled by medieval knights, leads to Kotuszów, winding through picturesque orchards. A vast panorama of the highest ranges of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains can be seen from this stretch of road. After reaching Kotuszów near the PKS coach station, Cambrian shale outcrops dating back 550 million years can be seen. Behind the church of St James the Great, located on the Małopolska Way of St James, a specially prepared barbecue shed can be used. From Kotuszów, it is a short distance to Kurozwęki (3 km; see route variant). From Kotuszów, head to Korytnica. From there to the town of Chańcza, the road leads through shaded forests. Entering Raków, the church of St Anne should be noted.

Route:

• Raków Rynek – 0km
• Życiny – 4km
• Korytnica – 8,5km
• Szydłów – 14,5km
• Kotuszów – 19,5km.
• Korytnica – 27km
• Chańcza – 30,5km
• Raków Rynek – 36,3km

Route options:

Kotuszów – Kurozwęki – Kotuszów (6 km)
While travelling along the picturesque route in the Czarna River valley, it is worth paying a visit to Kurozwęki (3 km). The town is known for the palace and park complex with a Baroque-Classicist façade in Pompeian red. The site offers many attractions, such as a bison safari, a playground, a mini zoo and a corn maze during the summer holidays. Also worth visiting is the historical Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Augustine.

Surface:

• Asphalt roads: 75%
• Dirt and gravel roads: 25%

The route is marked according to the PTTK standards in various colours:

• Raków – Chańcza reservoir in Korytnica: blue
• Cztery Wiatry Centre / Chańcza reservoir area – stud farm in Korytnica: blue, black, yellow
• Korytnica – Szydłów: yellow, black
• Szydłów – Kotuszów: black
• Kotuszów – Korytnica: unmarked
• Korytnica – Wygoda: blue
• Wygoda – Kresy: blue, black, yellow
• Kresy – Raków: yellow

Attractions on the route:

Raków:

• 17th century Holy Trinity Church (ul. Kościelna 5, 26-035 Raków)
• The home of the Arian minister from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries
• The home of the voit from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries
• Post-Reformation Church of St Anne from the 17th century
• Post-Arian buildings of Raków

Szydłów:

• The medieval town complex: the synagogue, castle, museum, castle courtyard, the Church of St Ladislaus, the Church of All Saints; www.szydlow.pl

Kurozwęki:

• Palace complex in Kurozwęki (ul. Zamkowa 3, 28-200 Staszów, rezerwacja@kurozweki.com, www.bizony.com)
• Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Augustine (ul. Kościelna 12,  phone: +48 15 866 72 11)