The rock formations are composed of heavy-bedded sandstones and conglomerates from the Eocene epoch.
Local folklore attributes the creation of the formations to the petrification of an ancient, prideful city.
The reserve serves as a habitat for protected plant species, including various types of ferns and mosses.
The trail features a notable formation called 'Orzeł' (The Eagle) which bears a distinct resemblance to the national emblem of Poland.
The erosional processes at work here are ongoing, slowly reshaping the sandstone profiles over centuries.
Nature Preserve Skamieniałe Miasto, or 'Petrified City,' is a geological reserve located in the Ciężkowice-Rożnów Landscape Park in Poland. The area is characterized by clusters of sandstone-conglomerate rock formations sculpted by weathering and erosion. The preserve spans approximately 15 hectares along the slopes of Skala hill. Visitors follow a marked trail that leads past distinct rock groupings named for their shapes, such as the Witch, the Pyramid, and the Grunwald. The rock formations vary in height, with some reaching up to several meters. The terrain is largely forested, providing shade along the walking paths. Geologically, these rocks represent the Ciężkowice sandstone layers typical of the Outer Western Carpathians. The reserve has been a protected site since 1974.
The viewing platform near the 'Witch' (Czarownica) formation offers a clear vantage point of the rocks against the forest canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes as the forest paths can be uneven, muddy, or slippery after rain.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months as the dense forest environment attracts mosquitoes and ticks.
Use the official mobile app or map provided at the entrance to identify specific rock formations by name.
Attempting to climb or scale the rock formations, as this causes significant erosion and is prohibited to preserve the site.
Open year-round, though paths may be inaccessible during heavy winter snow or extreme weather conditions.
Stay strictly on marked trails to protect the fragile rock surfaces and forest undergrowth; littering is prohibited.
