According to the legend, the name of this charming town comes from the name of a local brigand called Szydło. You can admire a medieval city arrangement there. A vast square, low-rise buildings, no crowds and the ever-present tranquillity bring a feeling that the time has suddenly stopped.
The name “Chmielnik” comes from a place overgrown with hop or a hop fields (pol. hop – chmiel). It is even reflected in the city’s coat of arms – a green branch with three hops on a red background. The city has a very rich history. The first mention of it comes from the 13th C. and refers to a lost battle of the Polish knights and the Tatars in 1241, which is concerned one of the greatest battles of the 13th century Europe.
The place famous for a historic city church, it also used to be one of the Royal Burghs. The beginnings of Stopnica date back to the turn of the 11th and 12th century.
There are many reasons to visit this small town situated in the central part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains as time seems to have stopped in here. The beautiful landscapes, beloved and praised by the famous Polish writer Stefan Żeromski, are most characteristic for this place, but Bodzentyn is also abundant in many valuable works of art.
Almost all Polish kings prayed before the smiling Virgin Mary. The collegiate in Wiślica is one of the best preserved medieval churches, with unique relics of the past.
It is a small town with rich history. The founder of Raków chose a charming location – among forests, meadows and ponds. In this matter, nothing has changed since then.
