Paradise Cave

The Paradise Cave (Jaskinia Raj) is one of the most famous Polish caves. Every year, thousands of tourists come to see cave formations, preserved in very good condition. Thanks to its location near Kielce, it is on the route of almost everyone who visits this region.

Despite its small size (the length of the corridors is about 250 meters) the Paradise Cave is considered one of the most valuable in the country. It was formed in the Devonian period, about 350 million years ago. In prehistoric times, it was inhabited by Neanderthals. After this period, it "disappeared" for many thousands of years. The entrance to it had remained buried until 1963, when it was accidentally discovered during the mining of the stone. In a short time it was adapted for sightseeing.

Tourists enter the interior through an exhibition room showing the history of the cave and an artificially dug corridor. Inside, in the Columnar, Stalactite, and High Hall, one can admire the beautifully preserved cave formations. It consists of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, underground lakes with beds of cave pearls, and so-called rice fields. The tour takes place with a guide, which explains exactly what visitors can see at a given moment. After leaving the cave, it is also possible to visit the recently operating Neanderthal Centre which shows the life of prehistoric people inhabiting the cave.