Devil's Field

Devil's Playground (Diable Boisko) is an extraordinary sandstone rock formation located in the forest near the village of Pławna, in the Ciężkowice municipality of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. It is a unique natural rock arch in the Polish Rożnów Piedmont region, with no equivalent in the Beskid Mountains. It was formed within a layer of Ciężkowice sandstones, which are part of the Silesian Nappe. It is believed that the formation might have once been part of a cave, and its current shape is the result of intense weathering processes that left only the arch standing, with a layer of sand beneath it. Culturally, the name "Devil's Playground" originates from local legends that tell of devils playing in the sand under the arch; according to tradition, the arch is considered a gateway to hell. The site was designated as a natural monument in 2004, highlighting its geological, ecological, and cultural significance. It is also a popular hiking destination, featured on a trail that leads from Pławna through the PKP (Polish State Railways) station and the local school, up to a crossroads with the blue trail on the Styr upland. Devil's Playground attracts both nature enthusiasts and tourists looking for unique places with rich history and cultural background.