Lysica

Łysica, also known as Mount Saint Catherine, is the highest peak of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, reaching an elevation of 614 meters above sea level. Located in the western part of the Łysogóry range, southeast of the village of Święta Katarzyna, it belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains as its lowest summit. The mountain features two peaks: the higher eastern one, called Agata's Rock (614 m above sea level), and the slightly lower western one (613 m above sea level), which hosts a replica of a commemorative cross from 1930 and the remains of a triangulation tower. Łysica is entirely covered by forest, consisting of fir and mixed fir-beech stands, and its slopes are characterized by extensive scree fields. A peat bog is located on the southern slope, while the northern slope features numerous stream sources, contributing to the area's biodiversity. This protected area within the Świętokrzyski National Park is home to many rare bird species, such as the lesser spotted eagle. Historically, Łysica was a site of ancient Slavic beliefs, with legends suggesting that a temple once stood at its base, where a Bernardine nuns' monastery now exists. A key tourist trail in the region is the Edmund Massalski Main Świętokrzyski Trail, which runs from Gołoszyce to Kuźniaki. It is also worth noting that surveying discoveries in 2018 confirmed that the eastern peak of Łysica is higher, reaching 613.96 meters above sea level, altering previous beliefs that the western peak was the highest. Łysica is not only a tourist attraction but also plays a significant role in regional culture and history.