Where the three crosses come from
In 1708 Kazimierz was struck by a plague epidemic (part of the wave that swept Poland and Central Europe at the start of the 18th century — the late-Baroque "black death"). According to local records several hundred people died — in a town of about 2,000 inhabitants that was a devastating loss. The dead were buried in mass graves on the outskirts.
When the epidemic passed, the townspeople put up three wooden crosses on the high hill above the town — as a votive offering, in thanks for those who were saved and in memory of the dead. The crosses have been renewed many times over the centuries (wood rots and is destroyed by storms) — today's are another generation, but they keep the tradition of the placing of 1708. The site still serves as a place of pilgrimage in the Passion season.
The panorama from the top
From the Hill of Three Crosses opens the most famous panorama of Kazimierz — most postcards of the town are taken from right here. What you can see:
- The market square with the Przybyła and Celej houses and the parish church
- The castle ruins and the tower on the neighbouring hill
- The Vistula below — with traditional rafts on spring days
- The Reformati monastery on the Tatar Hill (on the other side)
- The Vistula valley with fields and villages deep in the landscape
- Janowiec across the river — another Renaissance small town with castle ruins
How to get up
From the market square you walk along ul. Lubelska, then turn right into ul. Czerniawy, and follow the yellow-waymarked path uphill. The climb takes 15–20 minutes and about 80 metres of ascent. The path is marked out, but after rain it can be muddy (loess ground) — wear comfortable shoes.
There are no facilities at the top — only the three crosses, benches and perhaps a bin. No toilets and nowhere to eat (the nearest are in the town). It is a place for contemplation, quiet and photography.
The best times
- Sunrise in summer (4:30–5:30) — Kazimierz in pink light and no crowds
- Sunset — the whole town in orange light, the most famous shot
- Autumn mists in the morning — magical, especially in September and October
- After rain in summer — saturated colours and clear air
- At night, with a tripod — the town's lights and the stars over the Vistula
How to get there and practical info
- Admission
- Free, open 24/7
- From the square
- About 15–20 minutes on foot (waymarked)
- Difficulty
- Easy (a gentle climb on loess ground)
- Footwear
- Trekking or sturdy trainers
- Best time
- Sunset or early morning
- Toilets
- None — the nearest are in the town
When to go
May — a green hill, trees in flower in the town, ideal for photographs.
Early morning or evening for the best pictures — by day it is hot and the light flat.
September and October — the loveliest time, with mist, colour and atmosphere.
The crosses under snow and the town's chimneys smoking below — magical. The path can be icy.
Other sights in Kazimierz Dolny
Straight-line distances from „The Hill of Three Crosses" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The Hill of Three Crosses within walking distance or a short drive.
