Stone Circles Nature Reserve

The Stone Circles Nature Reserve (Rezerwat przyrody Kręgi Kamienne), established in 1994, covers an area of 12.33 hectares and is located in the Miedziana Góra municipality, within Kielce County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It forms part of the Suchedniów-Oblęgorsk Landscape Park and is characterized by the protection of an exposure of Lower Triassic sandstones, a hill, and its unique morphology and plant cover, all of which are significant elements of the landscape. The reserve is covered by a continental mixed coniferous forest, dominated primarily by Scots pine and pedunculate oak, along with other tree species, including sessile oak and European beech. The area of the reserve features valuable cultural sites, including pagan stone circles dating back to the 8th–9th centuries, which unfortunately have been largely destroyed by quarrying activities. Additionally, within the reserve, one can find earthworks from World War I and a historic stone chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus, built in 1850 on the site of an earlier wooden structure. The chapel's origins are rooted in a legend associated with the repulsion of Swedish troops. This site is listed in the register of immovable monuments. An interesting fact is that the reserve is traversed by the Edmund Massalski Main Świętokrzyski Trail, making it accessible to tourists eager to explore both its natural values and rich cultural heritage. It is also worth noting that the reserve takes its name from the unique stone circles, which bear witness to the ancient beliefs and practices of the Slavs. This area is not only a place of nature conservation but also a source of knowledge about the history and traditions of the region, blending natural elements with a rich cultural background.