The monastery and the relics
The Benedictine abbey on Święty Krzyż was founded in the Middle Ages and is regarded as the oldest sanctuary in Poland. It keeps relics of the True Cross, to which the faithful have made pilgrimage for centuries. Today it houses an Oblate missionary monastery and a museum.
The block fields and the view
- The block fields — Cambrian quartzite screes on the northern slope of Łysa Góra
- The viewing platform — a walkway above the scree with a long view
- The park's Nature and Forest Museum — the wildlife and history of the Łysogóry
- The old transmission tower — a landmark by the summit
Practical notes
The walk up follows the red Main Holy Cross Trail from Nowa Słupia (the Royal Road) or from Huta Szklana. The platform and the park are ticketed. The monastery is open all year; there is parking and food nearby.
How to get there and practical info
- Height
- 594 m a.s.l. — Łysa Góra (Święty Krzyż)
- The climb from Nowa Słupia
- The red Main Holy Cross Trail (the Royal Road), about 1 hour
- Admission
- The platform and park are ticketed; the monastery is open all year
- What to see
- The monastery, the relics, the block fields, the museum
- Nearby
- Nowa Słupia, Huta Szklana, Łysica
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours including the visit
Gallery
Photos taken on site. Photo: Marek Marcola.
When to go
The Fir Forest in green, fewer visitors, the block fields freshly washed.
The height of the season, pilgrimages and a busy trail — best come early.
Golden Łysogóry forests, the block fields in warm light, fine photographs.
The monastery open, snow-covered trails, atmospheric and quiet.
Other sights in Góry Świętokrzyskie
Straight-line distances from „Święty Krzyż — the monastery and the block fields" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Święty Krzyż — the monastery and the block fields within walking distance or a short drive.
