Easy hikes and walks around gmina Michałów

An invitation to a journey through time. In the heart of picturesque Ponidzie, on the loess hill of Garb Wodzisławski, stands the Stradów Stronghold, one of Poland's most important archaeological monuments. This monumental defensive complex, dating from the 8th to 11th centuries, is not only a testament to the might of the Vistulan tribe, but also a place that captivates with its history and breathtaking landscapes. Walking along the castle's mighty ramparts, you can almost hear the echoes of bygone days, when the stronghold was bustling with life, and its inhabitants traded, built, and defended their lands. Visit Stradów and discover secrets dating back over 1,200 years!

In the 8th century – 500 years before most castles were built in Europe – there was a mighty wooden castle with a high moat here. The height of the moat is still impressive today. The walk is worthwhile because the entire area has recently been developed for tourism. There is a parking lot, a tourist office, a very beautiful thatched shelter, and a newly constructed hiking trail around the moat with two staircases that also provide access to the interior.

The original church was here in the 14th century, but the current building is from the 16th century. It is worth seeing. Inside there is a beautiful Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Stradów from the 17th century - next to it there is a board with a list of miraculous healings!

Absolutely unmissable not only in Ponidzie, but in the whole of Poland: it is the oldest preserved hillfort in the whole country. According to archaeologists, this hillfort belonged to the Vistulan tribe, perhaps even in the 8th century. You can see the ramparts and even the moat here - of course, today covered with grass. It's worth it! In addition, from the top there are beautiful views of the Ponidzie valleys.

A beautiful fauna reserve right behind the village of Zakościele. Steppe grasslands, unusual in Poland, are protected here. Karst phenomena have left ravines and numerous caves and sinkholes here. There are supposedly 195 species of plants here! A beautiful, quiet and peaceful place. Only occasionally a cyclist passes by.

Walking along the western side of the Podkowa Reservoir, you will see great views of it from here, especially of its picturesque rocks on the other side. It is worth going to the nearby headland to take a closer look.

From here there is a beautiful view of the Podkowa Reservoir (beautiful cliffs) - one of two in this area, created in the 1980s as a result of the reclamation of the former "Gacki-Krzyżanowice" gypsum mine. The name Podkowa comes from the shape of this reservoir.

The first source mention of the church and parish comes from 1326. In the 2nd half of the 16th century, the temple was in the hands of Protestants, and it burned down in 1656. The current wooden church was built in 1657 by Władysław Myszkowski, Voivode of Kraków, and expanded at the end of the 19th century. A major renovation and reconstruction of the church was carried out in 1982, after which Bishop Stanisław Szymecki consecrated it on August 24, 1985. The temple houses a miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary and Child, the so-called Stradowska, from the 17th century, in a silver dress from 1879. In the years 1980–1981, the painting underwent conservation work. A stone baptismal font from the 17th century has been preserved in the church. There are also historic paintings of Christ and Saint. Mary Magdalene from the 17th–18th centuries. Next to the temple there is a wooden belfry from the end of the 18th century. The renovation of the presbytery was carried out in the Jubilee Year 2000.