Petrified City in Ciężkowice

The Petrified City in Ciężkowice is a nature reserve located in Lesser Poland, near Tarnów. It lies on a forested slope where wind and water have sculpted fantastic sandstone formations over millions of years. The rocks resemble mushrooms, towers, bastions, human figures, and animals – each has its own name, such as Czarownica (Witch), Ratusz (Town Hall), or Grunwald. The trail winds through narrow corridors and clearings, offering views of the Ciężkowicko-Rożnowskie Foothills. For those interested, an additional route leads to the Ciężkowice Gorge and the Witches' Waterfall. The reserve is open year-round and admission is free. It is an excellent destination for a family trip – children can climb on the rocks and play hide-and-seek. Parking is available near road 977, and the first rock formations are just a few minutes' walk away.