Czantoria Wielka

Wielka Czantoria, rising to an elevation of 995 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the Stożek and Czantoria Range of the Silesian Beskids and an important border point between Poland and the Czech Republic. Its name first appeared in 1615 in documents belonging to Duke Adam Wacław of Cieszyn. It is believed that the original name "Czantoria" derives from "Czartoryja," meaning a place rooted up by wild boars. A legend associated with Czantoria tells of sleeping knights who, in times of trouble, will come to the aid of Silesia. At the summit, there is a steel observation tower, dining facilities, and shops, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Czantoria offers excellent conditions for hiking, with numerous trails leading to nearby peaks and valleys. A chairlift from Ustroń Polana, opened in 1967, adds to its popularity. The history of this area dates back to the Counter-Reformation, when secret Protestant services were held in the Zakamienie region. In the 1930s, Czantoria was a site for smuggling leaflets of the Communist Party of Poland and witnessed significant political events, such as protests against the Iron Curtain in 1990. On the western slope, there is also the "Protestant Stone," symbolizing the history and struggle for religious freedom. Czantoria also provides spectacular views—on clear days, one can see the panorama of the Silesian Beskids, the Vistula River, and nearby power plants and towns. The mountain slopes host numerous nature reserves, including "Czantoria" in Poland and "Čantoryje" in the Czech Republic, highlighting the ecological importance of the region. Wielka Czantoria combines architectural, natural, and cultural aspects, and its ties to history give it a unique character in the Polish Beskids.