Tenczyński Landscape Park

Tenczyński Landscape Park is a picturesque area located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the western part of Poland, near Kraków. Established in 1981 as part of the Jurassic Landscape Parks Complex, it is now part of the Complex of Landscape Parks of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. The park covers an area of 136.581 km², and its buffer zone encompasses 134.139 km². The park's terrain features diverse landscapes, including the Tenczyn Ridge and part of the Krzeszowice Graben. The area is characterized by numerous rock formations, Upper Jurassic limestones subject to karst processes, small caves, and marshlands. Approximately 35% of the park is covered by forests, including Carpathian beech forests and mixed pine-oak woodlands. The park is home to many protected species of plants and animals, such as the moose, sparrowhawk, and rare plants like common houseleek and martagon lily. Within the park, there are fascinating architectural monuments, such as the ruins of Lipowiec Castle in Babice and Tenczyn Castle in Rudno, which testify to the region's rich history. Tenczyński Landscape Park also features Baroque churches in Tenczynek and Morawica, former Austrian forts, and the palace complex in Balice, highlighting the area's cultural and historical significance. Additionally, the park protects unique ecosystems and includes five nature reserves: Bukowica, Dolina Mnikowska, Lipowiec, Skała Kmity, and Zimny Dół, making it an important site for nature conservation in the region. Thus, Tenczyński Landscape Park is not only an area of high natural value but also a place rich in history and culture, making it an attractive destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.