Ancient ironworking
In the first centuries AD the Holy Cross region was one of the largest ironworking centres in barbarian Europe. Iron was smelted in thousands of simple clay furnaces — bloomeries. The annual Świętokrzyskie Bloomery Days recall that tradition.
What you can experience
- The Cultural and Archaeological Centre — an exhibition and demonstrations
- Bloomery demonstrations — iron smelted as it was in antiquity
- The Royal Road — the starting point for the climb to Święty Krzyż
- The Świętokrzyskie Bloomery Days — a festival at the end of summer
Practical notes
Nowa Słupia lies about 25 km from Kielce on the DW753. The red Royal Road climbs from the centre to Święty Krzyż (about 1 hour). The Cultural and Archaeological Centre is open seasonally; the Bloomery Days are usually held in August.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- At the foot of Święty Krzyż, about 25 km from Kielce, on the DW753
- Main attraction
- The Cultural and Archaeological Centre and the bloomery demonstrations
- The Royal Road
- The red trail to Święty Krzyż, about 1 hour
- The festival
- The Świętokrzyskie Bloomery Days, usually in August
- Nearby
- Święty Krzyż, Huta Szklana, Łysica
- Time needed
- Half a day including the climb
When to go
Quiet, a good time for the climb along the Royal Road.
The height of the season, with the Bloomery Days in August and plenty of people.
Golden woods along the Royal Road and fewer visitors.
The centre closed for the season; the trail to Święty Krzyż under snow.
Other sights in Góry Świętokrzyskie
Straight-line distances from „Nowa Słupia — the Medieval Settlement and the Bloomery Days" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Nowa Słupia — the Medieval Settlement and the Bloomery Days within walking distance or a short drive.
