Filarki

The Filarki are vertical cliffs in Tyniec near Kraków, upon which the walls of the Benedictine Abbey stand. They offer spectacular views and are part of the Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park. The height of the Filarki ranges from 20 to 30 meters, and their undercutting by the Vistula River has created a natural gorge known as the Tyniecka Gate. The Filarki are composed of Upper Jurassic limestone and feature unique rock formations and fissures resulting from karst processes, giving them a mysterious and distinctive appearance. At their base, there are large rock blocks resulting from a collapse caused by an earthquake in 1786. Historically, the Filarki were a popular climbing site, with climbers tackling 16 routes of varying difficulty, though climbing is now prohibited. The cliffs also contain two small cave shelters, adding to their natural and archaeological significance. Additionally, the interior of the cliffs accumulates snail shells and remains of small invertebrates, indicating a rich ecosystem in the area. It is worth noting that the Filarki are not only important elements of sacral architecture but also a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Kraków region.