The terrain lying to the north from the Swietokrzyskie Mountains is a specific mining basin in which, at the time of the Stone Age and early Bronze Age flint was mined for the manufacture of tools and weapons.
FEATURES, ORIGINS, VALUES AND LEGAL PROTECTION
Krzemionki, near Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, is one of Europe\'s largest complexes of former mines where, during the period from between 3900BC and 1600BC, this, most valuable raw material of the time, was mined. These mines were discovered in 1922 by geologist Jan Samsonowicz and became the object of scientific research and the work of many generations of Polish archaeologists, geologists and naturalists. The scientific work in this area continues to the present day, allowing new discoveries to be shared with visitors. There is an underground route on the reserve that demonstrates the pillar and chamber mining techniques and the reconstruction of a Neolithic village built in 1991, in which archaeological workshops and museum lectures are regularly held. From the autumn of 2008, it has been possible to visit a partially reconstructed niche mine and enjoy the well-preserved mining landscape from a bridge connecting the lookout pavilions, of spent workings and waste heaps that have been overgrown by protected species of plants. The entire site has been subject to legal protection as a monument since 1928. In 1994, Krzemionki has been declared a Historic Monument and a year later, the area was recognized as a nature reserve. Preparations are under way for Krzemionki to be entered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.
TOUR ORGANISER
Krzemionki Museum and Archaeological and Natural Reserve
Sudol near Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski
Branch of the Historical Archaeological Museum in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski
Ul Swietokrzyska 37
27-400 Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski
Tel /Fax +48 41 262 09 78
www.krzemionki.pl
Tickets Office on Tel /Fax +48 41 262 09 78
ACCESSIBILITY OF FACILITIES BY VISITORS
Entry times for individual tourists, from 1st May till 30th September, every half hour, in the remaining months, every hour on the hour.
Opening hours of the museum:
From April till October, Monday to Friday, between 09.00 and 19.00, Saturday and Sunday, between 11.00 and 19.00
From November till March, Monday to Sunday, between 08.00 and 15.00.
The last entry to the underground tourist galleries is one hour before the closing time of the museum.
Trail length is 500m.
Time required to explore both the underground and overground sites is about 1 hour.
The internal temperature is between about 6° C and 9° C and humidity is about 90%.
The route is electrically illuminated.
The trail is not suitable for people with physical disabilities.
Guided tours only
We recommend comfortable, athletic shoes and warm clothing in the summer.
Due to the great interest, tourist groups are required to make bookings in advance.