The Holy Cross Monastery on a peak of Bald Mountain is the most important site in the Świętokrzyskie voivedship. Firstly, because it gave a name to the whole province and mountains. Secondly, because its cultural and religious influence cannot be underestimated.
For over thousand years travellers and locals were fascinated by this mountain. An origin of mysterious rocks, stone-runs, were explained with legends about old rulers, castles on the top of the hill and evil spirits activities.
We can find here embankment walls related to some old pagan cults. In this place benedectine monks settled down in XIth or XIIth century in a sanctuary that was so famous in medieval times it was called the Prince of other mountains by contemporary polish historian Jan Długosz. All this happened because of relics of Holy Cross that can be seen today in Oleśnicki’s chapel.
King’s path leading to the top winds among fir and beech trees of Świętokrzyskie National Park. It was used by kings who wanted to pay respect to relics. Also pilgrims walked it for centuries, although one particular slightly slower than others. We pass his kneeling statue by in Nowa Słupia town where he moves upwards on his path to redemption. It is a common place for Świętokrzyskie tour guides to began their tale about this mystic site.
Bald Mountain is the second highest peak after Łysica raising 595 metres above the sea level. If the air is clear we have an opportunity to see some outstanding views from a platform over the stone-run or from a bell tower.
Cloisters and the church are open for visitors everyday as we can learn about history of this place hidden in old walls, paintings and a crypt. An exhibition in the missionary museum helps to gain knowledge about Holy Cross from ancient to modern times. To be in Świętokrzyskie and not visit Holy cross is the same as in an old polish saying about being to Rome and not seeing the Pope.
If you’re encouraged to come and see this monument of polish history please contact me so we can arrange a tour.