What is worth seeing?

Our city cannot simply be talked about – it must be seen!

The setting of Hotel pod Ciżemką is undoubtedly unique in many ways. It is Sandomierz Old Town, home to one of Poland’s most historically and architecturally valued market squares. In recent years, it has also gained fame as the setting of the popular TV series “Father Mateusz”. Sandomierz is also called “Little Rome” because of its location and charming streets steeped in history.

SANDOMIERZ is a city with a thousand-year history, picturesquely situated on the edge of the Kielecko-Sandomierska Upland, whose escarpments descend into the Vistula valley. Once one of Poland’s largest cities, Sandomierz was home to princes and a royal residence. What is worth seeing today?

• Opatowska Gate – part of the former defensive walls and one of four surviving city gates. Founded in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great, it is 33 metres high and has a viewing terrace at the top.
• Underground Tourist Route – 15th–17th-century merchant cellars beneath the Market Square houses. The route is about half a kilometre long, reaches 12 metres underground and includes 34 chambers.
• Cathedral – built in the 14th century, this Gothic church retains its original layout and rich interior sculpture. The Cathedral Basilica stands on the site of an earlier Romanesque collegiate church, elevated to cathedral status in 1818. Its nave walls display 16 paintings: 12 form the so-called “Calendar” cycle, while four beneath the choir depict scenes from Sandomierz’s history.
• Castle – built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier stronghold and later rebuilt. Its present form reflects historical changes and layers; it now houses the District Museum. The castle once had four wings. In 1656, it was blown up by retreating Swedes. Only the west wing survived. The courtyard contains an old well, while the foundations of Casimir’s castle remain below ground.
• Collegium Gostomianum – built in the early 17th century in the late Renaissance style, it retains its original architectural form and function. It is one of Poland’s oldest secondary schools.
• Długosz House – built in 1476, funded by the renowned historian Jan Długosz. It is one of the best-preserved Gothic residential houses and contains the rich collections of the Diocesan Museum. These include valuable paintings, sacred sculpture, textiles, decorative art, ceramics, furniture, coins, archaeology and architectural elements.
• Town Hall – one of Poland’s finest Renaissance town halls. Founded in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great, it has a sgraffito sundial on its south wall. A branch of the District Museum is located inside.
• Knights’ Armoury – popular with school groups. Visitors can try on armour and see weapons up close. Open during the summer season.
• Granary – the only surviving Sandomierz granary. It stands near the Vistula escarpment, in the Vistula river valley.
• Synagogue – built in the 17th/18th century. In the Middle Ages, Sandomierz’s Jewish community was one of the largest and most important in Lesser Poland. It now houses the city archive.
• Queen Jadwiga Gorge – located in the city’s south-western part. It begins near St Paul’s Church on Świętopawelskie Hill. This extensive loess gorge was formed by water erosion and is about 500 metres long. At its mouth, it is over 10 m high, with its steepest walls. Deciduous trees grow on its slopes.
• Pepper Mountains – the oldest mountain formation visible in Poland, estimated at about 500 million years old. The area includes an 18-hectare nature reserve with twelve wild rose species, creating a unique natural rosarium on a European scale. The varied terrain is strongly undulating and cut by numerous gorges. The mountains take their name from exposed grey-black and dark-grey clay shales resembling pepper in colour. The highest point is 201 m above sea level.

We offer you the chance to go beyond standard sightseeing and make your stay even more memorable with attractions that will deliver an incredible amount of unforgettable impressions!

Especially for our Guests, we expanded our offer with:

• Mobile sightseeing of the Old Town by moped (melex)
• Wineyard visits in the area of Sandomierz combined with tastings
• Cruises on the Vistula by boat or on a replica of one of the few flisacki barges in Poland
• Off-road drives of varying difficulty levels in a unique setting
• Kayak paddling trips of different durations to relax and admire the beautiful Vistula River valley
• Visiting the Living Porcelain Museum in Ćmielów

Each offer is tailored individually to our Clients.

Vineyard sightseeing

A tour of vineyards in the Sandomierz area, where you will learn the details of producing our own wine and have the opportunity to taste several varieties.

Sightseeing by moped (melex)

An ideal option for hot days—for both seniors and families with children. A great introduction to a more detailed tour of Sandomierz’s historic sights and a chance to get to know the layout of the Old Town. Duration: about one hour.

Flisacki boat cruise

An unforgettable, one-hour tour along the Vistula River Valley, during which you can admire the beauty of nature and the panorama of Sandomierz from the deck of the only such boat in the region. It is possible to book a cruise where you can watch the sunset over the Vistula river beaches.

Vistula river cruise by ship

A Vistula river cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Sandomierz. Sailing upstream along the Vistula, you can admire the panorama of the Old Town and the nature of the Pepper Mountains. The cruise lasts half an hour. The ship departs from the pier on the boulevards.

Off-road excursions

Bypass through non-motorable, hidden routes, over mountains and through ravines. A drive that lets you see inaccessible areas of the Vistula, wild birds, beaver lodges, quarries, springs, old mills, and many other attractions. Great fun combined with a lot of excitement.

Kayak paddling trips

A wide range prepared for both beginners, families with children, and experienced water-sports enthusiasts. We offer group and individual paddling trips. A paddling trip is a unique kind of relaxation combined with active leisure, with views of the picturesque Vistula River Valley, the panorama of Sandomierz, and the Pepper Mountains.

The Living Porcelain Museum in Ćmielów

Visit the first Living Porcelain Museum in Poland in Ćmielów, established in 2005. In the offer:

• Museum guided tour
• Porcelain production show
• Ceramics workshops
• Exhibition of antique porcelain
• Gallery of icons and paintings on porcelain
• Company shop
• Alley of sculptures
• Gallery of contemporary art van Rij – the largest collection in Europe of works by internationally acclaimed artist Lubomir Tomaszewski (paintings “painted with fire” and sculptures created in a “duet with nature”)