October - December 2014
Jurassic Land
Millions of years ago, between Częstochowa and Kraków the waters of the Upper Jurassic Sea were flowing. It gave the origin to unique Jurassic formations and karst phenomena leading to creation of caves and monadnocks. This area, known as the CracowCzęstochowa Jura, has become the habitat of many, often unique, representatives of fauna and flora. Scientists identified here, among others, 1500 species of vascular plants, 3000 species of insects, or 19 species of bats. There is an interesting piece of Polish history connected with Jura, presented in many colorful legends, with the characteristic Trail of the Eagles' Nests. A trail spreading between Cracow and Częstochowa, two cities of great importance to the history of Poland and to the patriotic awareness of Poles.
The richness of flora, fauna, history, legends framed with beautiful landscapes makes this peculiar Jurassic Land a wonderful background for both Częstochowa and Cracow. A background highly worth noticing and appreciating on a daily basis... This series of photo exhibitions present selected pictures of this beautiful and unusual Jurassic Land
Falcon Mountains
Ten hills located on a rocky mass of caves form the Falcon Mountains Reserve - the largest reserve of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Jura). However, the largest reserve of the Jura is a very intimate reserve - with a unique climate. The interior of a rocky mass of the Falcon Mountains penetrates the labyrinth of caves, 87 of which have been studied and described. The main ridge of the reserve are Falcon Mountain, Mt Pustelnica and Mt Puchacz. These and other hills are covered by lush vegetation dominated by old beech forests, among which many unique plants have become established, among them a melissa-leaved gingerbread, black peas, or orchids - leafless leafhora, broad-leaved helleborus, coral gouge. Fauna is equally interesting, but more and more concealed and disappearing as a result of the growing expansion of homo sapiens. Here and there, you can see medium and green woodpeckers, badgers, bats or rare beetles, drummers. In the past, there was a refuge of eagle owls and falcons, from which the mountains took their name. Falcon Mountains, although without falcons, still delight with their beauty underlined with a full palette of colors, especially vivid in the autumn sun.
Krzysztof Muskalski
Cycle "Jurassic Land":
1. The Wiercica Valley
2. Sokole Mountains colorfully
