Kamienica Szlachecka: Archaeology and local history

An ancient cemetery dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD was discovered in Kamienica Szlachecka. Together with a listed hillfort, the Chapel of Matki Boskiej and a post-epidemic cemetery, it provides several historical points of reference. An extension of the cycle path is also planned.

Archaeological finds and local history

The 85 graves at the archaeological cemetery date from the Roman Imperial period. They include 44 cremation burials—urn and pit graves—and 41 inhumation burials. The two groups differ by only three graves and are therefore almost equally represented in the archaeological record. This breakdown gives a concrete picture of the burial site as an archaeological find: in addition to its dating, it preserves evidence of different burial practices.

Written records offer a different perspective on time. Kamienica Szlachecka was first mentioned in written sources in the 15th century. This first mention came many centuries after the graves from the Roman Imperial period. To understand the history of the place, it is worth distinguishing between these two points in time: the graves provide an archaeological point of reference, while the 15th-century mention provides a later written one.

Hillfort, chapel and cemetery

The hillfort in Kamienica Szlachecka was entered in the archaeological monument register of the Pomeranian Voivodeship on 11 November 1947, under number C-5. Its previous registration number was 11/A. The date refers to its entry in the register, not to when the hillfort was built.

The Chapel of Matki Boskiej is also listed in the voivodeship’s monument register. Southwest of Kamienica Szlachecka lies a post-epidemic cemetery, which is also listed there and marked by a metal cross. Alongside the archaeological cemetery from the Roman Imperial period, these sites represent other, distinct forms of local cultural heritage: a hillfort, a chapel and a cemetery with a prominent cross.

The meaning of the place name

The name Kamienica Szlachecka derives from the Kashubian word “kamińca,” meaning “stony place.” This linguistic origin adds another perspective on the place to the archaeological and written evidence. It should be distinguished from the dated graves and the first written mention: this concerns the meaning of the name, not another historical date.

Planned cycle path extension

The planned status of the local project is relevant when planning a cycling trip. An extension of the cycle path is planned along a section of county road 1914G. It is to begin at the junction with the unpaved ul. Zamkowa, on the existing bituminous pedestrian and cycle path. The planned endpoint is a concrete-paved access road in the built-up area near ul. Zielone Wzgórze; there, the new section is to connect to an existing footpath. The named roads and connection points give the plan a clearly defined geographical context. If you would like to include the planned extension in a cycling trip, check its current status before you travel.

For the wider travel overview: Łączyno.