Devil's Stone

Diabelski Kamień (Devil's Stone) is a rock formation located on Czolo Turbacza in the Gorce Mountains, in the village of Poręba Wielka, Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Extremely difficult to find, unlike other larger rocks, it is not marked on tourist maps, and its surroundings are rich in legends about hidden treasures. In 2001, a plaque was placed on the rock to commemorate the rescuers of the Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue, featuring an image of Our Lady of Ludźmierz and information about distinguished rescuers. Diabelski Kamień was first described by Władysław Orkan in his novel "W roztokach" (In the Valleys), where his character suggested that a treasure was hidden beneath the rock, but guarded by a devil. This mystery has remained unsolved for centuries, although many people have attempted to decipher the inscriptions on the rock. Kazimierz Sosnowski, in his works from the early 20th century, indicated that the carved inscriptions might have been the work of the Bar Confederates, but their meaning remained uncertain. Witold Mileski and Tomasz Nowalnicki also tried to interpret the inscriptions, suggesting various names and dates, yet none of the texts proved unambiguous. In a historical context, some documents point to Franciszek Kołdras, a 19th-century court official, which may link this legend to local history. The region's culture is rich in tales of bandits who hid treasures, and some traditions claim that treasures could only be accessed on Palm Sunday, when the rock supposedly "opened." Legends associated with Diabelski Kamień, such as the one about the woman from Konina, showcase the complexity of local beliefs about treasures and spirits said to guard hidden wealth. Meanwhile, Stanisław Pagaczewski, in his story "O Ziemnych Duchach z Turbacza" (About the Earth Spirits of Turbacz), transforms the image of the rock into a positive place where evil can be overcome. Thus, Diabelski Kamień is not only a significant feature of the Gorce landscape but also an important element of local legends, culture, and history.