Legnicki Between Monastic Culture, Lakes and Historic Routes

Legnicki brings together a range of travel interests: architectural and cultural history, historic routes and a landscape shaped by water. For planning your trip, it is worth looking at the specific differences. In Legnickie Pole, the focus is on an 18th-century monastic complex and a museum; around Lake Kunickie, the main activities are water sports, fishing and walks along the shore. Several named routes can also be distinguished by their length and their historical or landscape-related features.

Monasteries, Castles and Architectural History

The present-day Benedictine monastic complex in Legnickie Pole was built in the 18th century and is considered a major work of Silesian Late Baroque architecture. The former monastic complex was recognized as a Historic Monument of Poland by decree of the President of Poland on April 14, 2004. Also in Legnickie Pole, the former Church of the Holy Trinity now houses a museum. These details give the town a clear focus on cultural history without relying on any one building alone.

Other places also have their own architectural highlights. The Piast Castle in Chojnów (Haynau), home to the regional museum, was built around 1290 on the left bank of the Skora River. In Jerzmanice, an 18th-century Dutch windmill is among the most valuable buildings in Legnicki County. In Pątnówek, a wayside figure of Saint John of Nepomuk, a devotional sculpture from the early 18th century, stands by the road; in 2010, it was entered in the register of protected monuments of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The early medieval fortified settlement site in Krajów is of considerable value for tourism and sightseeing.

Another historical connection leads to Prochowice: Stefan of Prochowice had the medieval castle there built around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle is surrounded by a preserved English landscape park covering 12.33 hectares. The buildings and their different periods of origin thus offer a variety of starting points for a cultural-history visit.

Routes with Clearly Distinctive Features

The lengths of the named routes are useful for getting your bearings. The 12-kilometer Szlak Bitwy 1241 roku (Route of the 1241 Battle) runs from Legnica (Liegnitz) railway station via Legnica-Piekary and Bartoszów to Legnickie Pole. At 19 kilometers, the green Szlak nad Nysą Szaloną (Nysa Szalona Route) is somewhat longer. It follows the scenic valley of the Nysa Szalona along the edge of the Janowicki Plateau. The 20-kilometer Szlak Bitwy nad Kaczawą (Kaczawa Battle Route) connects Dunino, Krajów, Winnica, Bielowice, Warmątowice Sienkiewiczowskie, Tyńczyk and Janowice Duże.

The 72-kilometer Szlak dookoła Legnicy (Route Around Legnica) offers a much longer option. It passes through areas of high natural value and by places that recall the events of 1241 as well as the Battle of the Kaczawa during the Napoleonic Wars. Compared with the 12-, 19- and 20-kilometer routes, its different length is immediately apparent. The Cistercian Trail runs through Legnicki County and the municipalities of Krotoszyce, Legnica, Legnickie Pole, Kunice and Prochowice. It is connected with the Cistercian presence in Lower Silesia.

Lake Kunickie and Protected Nature

The 95-hectare Lake Kunickie offers opportunities for water sports, fishing, swimming and walks along the shore. The lake is also distinguished by its great variety of waterbirds. This means that active pursuits on the water and nature watching are two different interests to enjoy in one place.

Other nature-related attractions have their own clearly defined locations. The Mierzowice Ecological Corridor covers 155.25 hectares of woodland and meadows. Fifteen protected plant species grow there, including eight strictly protected species. The Dolina Odry Natura 2000 site in the municipalities of Prochowice and Ścinawa includes riparian forests with diverse wildlife. This includes grey herons, black storks, kestrels, and red and black kites. These specific features can help you decide between a water-focused visit to Lake Kunickie and an interest in woodland, meadow or river-valley landscapes.

Other Places in the Destination

More places to explore: Strachowice, Liegnitz, Jerzmanowice, Krotoszyce, Pątnówek, Haynau, Rokitki, Legnickie Pole, Kawice and Warmątowice Sienkiewiczowskie.

For the broader travel overview: Lower Silesia.