Cave in Straszykowa Góra

The Cave in Straszykowa Góra lies in Ryczów, in the Ruskie Góry Gorge in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, in the Ogrodzieniec municipality. It is about 150 m long and 21.5 m deep. It is privately owned.

Two parts of the cave

The old part is carved into hard limestone, and its passage has a rising floor and a descending ceiling. The new part was discovered in 1984 by Paweł Bednarz. It is formed of soft, layered limestones with dripstone formations: stalagmites up to 30 cm, stalactites, draperies and cave pearls. The main entrance is large and rectangular, lies about 10 m above the floor of the gorge and is easily accessible. The cave was first documented by Kazimierz Kowalski in 1951. In 1987 a pickaxe about 80 years old was found in it.

Condition and history

The cave sediments are badly damaged by treasure hunters. Jews were said to have hidden here during the Second World War. The site is marked as inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Nearby

Not far away stands the Ryczów Watchtower, and a few kilometres further the ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests.

Practical information

• Location: Ryczów, Ruskie Góry Gorge.
• Private land: check the rules of entry on the spot. Caves require a torch and suitable footwear.