Discover Konskie: Churches, Castle History and Memorial Sites

Castle History Across Several Building Phases

Jan Małachowski began building the castle and park complex in Końskie around 1748, after securing town rights for the place from King Augustus III. The complex therefore originated during a period that also marked an important turning point in the town’s history.

In the first half of the 19th century, Stanisław Małachowski brought the architect Franciszek Maria Lanci to Końskie. Lanci designed the Egyptian Orangery, a Neo-Gothic chapel, and the park wall with towers. The building history thus spans from its beginnings around 1748 to later architectural designs. If you are interested in the development of a historic place, these two periods provide a concrete framework for exploring Końskie.

Sacred Art and Historical Traces

At the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas and St. Adalbert, two details tell stories from different eras. A sundial dating from 1621 is located on the south retaining wall of the presbytery. The stone, late Baroque high altar dates from 1749: it features a crucifix beneath a canopy supported by columns. Together, the date, material and design give a precise impression of how varied historical features at a church can be.

The Church of St. John the Baptist and St. Anne also offers a window into the history of the place. The Małachowski family had it built by Jan Faygel in 1770. Old frescoes were uncovered and restored during restoration work in 2010. This adds another perspective to your choice of themes: as well as building commissions and architecture, the later rediscovery and restoration of historic painted decoration are also part of the history of churches in Końskie.

A Route to Memorial Sites

The “Szlakiem zabytków i miejsc pamięci” route passes through the streets of Końskie and by historic buildings, monuments and memorial plaques. Two of its stops offer particular points of interest. One section of the route leads to the Katyń Avenue, with its oaks and plaques commemorating victims murdered in 1940, and another leads to Warsztatowa Street. There, an obelisk commemorates Captain Jan Stoiński, the first commander of the Końskie ZWZ-AK district.

The stops bring together different forms of remembrance: the avenue with its trees and plaques, and the obelisk commemorating a specific person and their role. If you are interested in the history of the place, the route gives these memorial sites a shared context, even though they do not relate to the same event.

An Interactive Exhibition

SOWA in Końskie offers a permanent exhibition, a workshop for hands-on exploration, and workshops. This interactive approach complements the historical themes of the churches, the castle and park complex, and the route. Check SOWA’s current opening and program information before visiting, especially if you plan to attend a particular workshop.

More Options in the Wider Końskie Destination

Beyond the town of Konskie, the wider Końskie destination offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip. Sielpia is a holiday resort by the Czarna Konecka Reservoir, surrounded by pine forests. It has three Nordic walking routes; special poles can be borrowed free of charge from the local Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji. Check whether poles are available before your trip.

For cyclists, the 45-kilometre “Rowerem dookoła Końskich” circular route starts and ends in Sielpia; surface conditions may change. The reservoir also has a guarded sandy beach and a watercraft rental service. Beach and rental operations are seasonal. These options are part of the wider Końskie destination and are not in the town of Konskie itself; they offer an additional perspective alongside the historical themes in Końskie.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sielpia Wielka, Fałków, Ruda Maleniecka, Strzeboszow, Stąporków, Tama.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Końskie.