Rock

Skała Podolska is a town located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, within the Kraków County, situated 20 kilometers north of Kraków. It boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century, having been founded in 1267 by the Poor Clares. Its name derives from the rocky hill overlooking the Prądnik Valley. The town was once an important commercial and craft center, with traditions in brewing, milling, and various crafts. In the 18th century, Skała suffered a series of fires that destroyed part of its infrastructure. During the 19th century, it came under Austrian rule and was later incorporated into the Kingdom of Poland. Despite its declining significance in the 19th century, Skała played a role in independence movements, including the January Uprising. The town features valuable historical monuments, such as the Parish Church of St. Nicholas and the market square with a statue of St. Florian, dating back to around 1800. Honorary citizens of Skała include Pope John Paul II, as well as war heroes Teofil Puchalski and Mieczysław Herod. The town has been home to various educational institutions, including kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools. There is a local sports club, Miejski Klub Sportowy Skała 2004, as well as a popular futsal league. An interesting fact is that Skała regained its town rights in 1987, and its urban layout retains medieval characteristics to this day, with a clear division of the center and a market square at the heart of the locality. Nowadays, the town has small service and commercial enterprises and is culturally active, with the quarterly "Kronika Miasta i Gminy Skała" (Chronicle of the Town and Municipality of Skała) published by the Municipal Office.