January - March 2013
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 Cracow-Częstochowa 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.
THE WIERCICA VALLEY
Near the village of Złoty Potok, two sources - Elżbieta and Zygmunt - give rise to the Wiercica stream winding in the forest of old trees. Around him, pine forests and deciduous forests full of beech, oak, hornbeam and alder hide numerous monadnocks and caves. Many of them are associated with many interesting stories and legends, whose main characters are the poet Zygmunt Krasiński and the legendary Mr. Twardowski. It was Zygmunt Krasiński who lived two and a half centuries ago in Zloty Potok who noticed the beauty of the Wiercica Valley, gave the names to the sources, a few outliers and water reservoirs and made the Dolina Wiercica famous. He was assisted by Mr. Twardowski, who - according to legends - the devil's struggle had a considerable impact on the formation of the landscape of the charming Dolina Wiercica.
Krzysztof Muskalski
Cycle "Jurassic Land":
1. The Wiercica Valley
