Nowa Słupia is one of the smallest cities in Poland. It is attractively situated at the foot of Łysogóry, the main range of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, and therefore it is of great tourist importance as the starting point for the Holy Cross.
From its beginnings, the town belonged to the Benedictine monastery on the Holy Cross. In the past, it was primarily a pilgrimage center and a place where pilgrims went to the Basilica, where the relics of the Holy Cross tree are kept.
However, the history of the village is much earlier. In antiquity, there were smoke boxes here, i.e. stations for smelting iron from bog ores. Currently, the Museum of Ancient Metallurgy in Świętokrzyskie and the archaeological museum of the Cultural and Archaeological Center operate here. Every year in August, an open-air event called Dymarki Świętokrzyskie is organized, which is a combination of an archaeological festival, concerts and a handicraft fair.
The most important attraction of Nowa Słupia is Łysa Góra, also known as the Holy Cross, rising above it. It is one of the highest peaks of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
There is a monastery on the top, the origins of which date back to the 11th century. Within it there is a Basilica on the Holy Cross with an observation deck on the Church Tower. The relics of the Holy Cross are kept in the chapel, and you can visit the Jeremy Wiśniowiecki Crypt under the church. The monastery buildings house two museums, the Mission Museum of the Oblates and the Nature Museum of the Świętokrzyski National Park. Nearby, there is a radio and television tower visible from many kilometers. The attraction of the Holy Cross is also the Platform overlooking the gravel area.
