
There are quite a few beautiful towns along the Vistula River. One of them is undoubtedly Sandomierz, which, of course, in addition to the fame of Father Matthew, has much more to offer. But let's start with the history of this breathtaking city. It is located on seven hills, which is why it is colloquially called "little Rome."
The historic center, declared a historical monument in 2017, is located on the left bank of the Vistula River, while the industrial part lies on the right bank, in the Sandomierz Basin.
One of the first attractions of Sandomierz that tourists arrive at is the Abbot's Gate, one of the four that used to lead into the city. In addition to it, Sandomierz could also be entered through the Zawichojska, Lubelska and Krakowska gates. There were also two gates leading into the city, of which the Dominican gate, known as the Needle's Ear, still exists.
In Sandomierz it is essential to visit the Market Square, considered the most beautiful in Poland. It is surrounded on all sides by centuries-old, beautifully maintained townhouses, while in the center is the 14th century Town Hall.
In addition to the impressive Old Town, Sandomierz also has a less-than-half-kilometer-long underground, where tourists can learn about the city's history. It was built for merchants who traded all kinds of goods in the market in the 14th and 15th centuries. Not having much storage space, they decided to develop underground passageways and warehouses.
Over time, as Sandomierz lost its importance, some of the corridors were filled in, as they posed a danger to the tenements standing on the surface. And it was only in the 1970s that it was decided to open them to the public. Today 470 meters are accessible, consisting of long and narrow passages and 34 chambers.
Returning to the surface, be sure to visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where royal Barbara Jagiellonka had her baptism. The temple was repeatedly visited by Ladislaus Jagiello and it was on his initiative that the amazing frescoes were created inside.
Sandomierz is also the Royal Castle, built on the orders of Casimir the Great. Unfortunately, the only thing we can admire is one wing, which was restored in the second half of the last century. The rest of the fortress was destroyed during the Swedish Deluge.
Fans of hiking will also find something for themselves. Mention should be made, for example, of the loess gorge known as the Queen Jadwiga Gorge. It stretches for about half a kilometer. There you can admire the surprising shapes of the roots and enjoy the shade of the trees, forming a leafy umbrella over the ravine.
Sandomierz is well connected, but with environmental concerns in mind we would like to suggest that it is best to visit Sandomierz by bus. The bus station in Sandomierz is located in the very center, and the city itself is not so large that moving even on foot would be problematic. Therefore, when going to Sandomierz for a weekend, for example, it is worth considering a bus ride.
© 2025 Sindbad
Technical support, assistance, payments: Sindbad IT
© 2025 Sindbad
Technical support, assistance, payments: Sindbad IT