The Hercules Mace
Sułoszowa
Tourist region: Kraków i okolice
When searching for heroes, we can find the Hercules Mace. This is undoubtedly the most characteristic and most recognisable rock formation in Poland. Built of hard, rocky limestone, the massive, 25-metre-high rock, which resembles the weapon of the mythical Hercules, is located in Pieskowa Skała in the Prądnik Valley, within the Ojców National Park. Formed entirely by natural factors, due to the destructive power of wind and frost, it makes an incredible impression against the background of dense forests and the castle. The rock is on a rock foundation called Fortepian. Climbing is forbidden, but on the top of the Hercules Mace, there is an iron cross commemorating its conquest by Leon Witek from Katowice in 1933. The Prądnik Valley, attractive in terms of landscape and nature, attracts many visitors. It is worth planning a trip here, especially in autumn, when the landscape sparkles with thousands of colours and the bright rocks of the Hercules Mace, and the neighbouring Mickiewicz and Napoleon Rocks stand out against the colourful background of trees. There are many hiking trails and paths in the Prądnik Valley. It is also worth planning a visit to the castle on the Pieskowa Rock.