Saint Anne's Mountain - an important point on the Opole Trail of Saint James
Saint Anne's Mountain This place is steeped in historical events. This 5-hectare park delights visitors with its diversity. You'll find an amphitheater, a sanctuary, a wonderful grotto, and a summer toboggan run for the youngest visitors. This adventure is just a 22-minute drive from our hotel – Zamkowy Młyn.
A treat not only for geology fans
St. Anne's Mountain is a real treat for geology enthusiasts. It's home to one of Poland's three genealogical parks. Thanks to changes over the centuries, today we can admire impressive faults and karst formations. Have you ever been to the bottom of a volcano? If not, you absolutely must visit! The educational trail will lead you to the very bottom of the volcano located on St. Anne's Mountain.
An active volcano in Poland? Yes! But 27 million years ago...
Now you're probably wondering if the volcano in question is active? Fortunately, it isn't! The volcano within the park is extinct. After an eruption of liquid magma that occurred 27 million years ago, its internal chambers collapsed, and the volcano itself became dormant. So, you can spend an afternoon there without any worries. If you've already tried our aromatic coffee at Castle Mill restaurant, hit the road and discover all the attractions on St. Anne's Mountain!
A quarry, a pasture, and a memorable site of a bloody battle
St. Anne's Mountain This is also Kuhtal. In the past, a quarry of the same name operated here, where limestone was mined. Nearby were lime kilns, connected by a horse-drawn monorail. After World War I, sheep were grazed in the area of the current geopark. Later, a bloody battle took place there during the Silesian Uprising, which was won by the Germans. In 1934, the then-owner of Góra Świętej Anny (St. Anne Mountain), Countess von Francken-Sierstorpff of Żyrowa, donated the entire area of the old quarry to the German Nazi party. Interestingly, she was likely forced to do so...
St. Anne's Mountain – an amphitheater with limestone stands
During this time, the Germans built a monument on St. Anne's Hill in honor of their fallen compatriots. And so the quarry became the massive amphitheater it remains to this day. Believe it or not, it can accommodate 7,000 seated people and as many as 20,000 standing. Interestingly, the stands were made of Gogolin limestone. The amphitheater's size still captivates tourists.
Monument to the Uprising, designed by Dunikowski
On the site of a German mausoleum, which was blown up by Soviet sappers, a curious monument to the Uprising was erected. The sight of it will undoubtedly leave you momentarily lost in thought. Financial problems and political clashes significantly prolonged the construction period, which was ultimately completed only after nine years. Many stories and anecdotes surround the monument's construction. One of them tells of a capricious designer who often changed his vision and demanded higher prices. Ultimately, construction was completed in 1955. And in this version, the monument adorns St. Anne's Hill to this day.
From the Chapel to the Sanctuary on the Trail of St. James
At the very top of St. Anne's Hill stands a beautiful basilica and sanctuary. However, this wasn't always the case. First, there was a chapel of St. George on this site. Later, a wooden church was built, honoring St. Anne, who appeared to the local population. Franciscans also lived on the mountaintop. A monastery and a brick church were built there at that time.
A sanctuary and over 30 chapels hidden in the forest
Today, you'll find a basilica and a sanctuary here, containing the relics of St. Anne the Virgin Mary from the 15th century. St. Anne's Hill is also a Paradise Square, home to 15 confessionals made a century ago. The beautiful grotto, resembling the one in Lourdes, still captivates tourists with its form. The park boasts over 30 freestanding Calvary chapels. They're all certainly worth seeing. In 1983, Pope John Paul II celebrated Vespers here. As you can see, St. Anne's Hill is not just about history. It's also a special place on the religious map of Poland. Guests of our hotel – Castle Millwho have already decided to visit St. Anne's Mountain - come back delighted!
St. Anne's Mountain offers interesting attractions for all ages
In addition to free play in the fresh air, the youngest visitors can also enjoy a thrilling ride down the summer toboggan run. This is a great attraction for adults as well. The views you can admire during the descent are breathtaking. St. Anne's Mountain also boasts a rope park, providing thrills for both extreme adventure enthusiasts and those taking their first rope walk.
Is there anyone who still doesn't believe that St. Anne's Hill offers many attractions and, contrary to appearances, isn't boring at all? Exactly! The diversity of this place means everyone will find something interesting for themselves. As you can see, during a visit to our Zamkowy Młyn hotel, St. Anne's Hill is a must-see on the Opole region's attractions map. Of course, right after you see it, Moszna Castle.
Travel time from the Zamkowy Młyn Hotel: 22 minutes
Approximate visiting time: 180 minutes or more
Paid admission: NO
Attraction for families with children: Yes
Book your stay at the Zamkowy Młyn Hotel *** - only 22 minutes away from St. Anne's Mountain:
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