Tourist attractions of the Świętokrzyskie Region on new stamps
The Świętokrzyskie Region has been featured on new Polish Post stamps as part of the "Beauty of Poland" issue. This year's collection, comprising six stamps and three First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelopes, aims to showcase the beauty of Polish landscapes and spark curiosity to discover the regions' tourist attractions, which often surprise and delight with their charm. The stamps from this issue not only promote travel and encourage discovery, but also help broaden horizons and delve into local history and culture. Selected attractions in the Świętokrzyskie Region will delight nature lovers, history buffs, and architecture connoisseurs alike. Exploring these places offers a respite from everyday life, inspires, and provides the opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
This year's issue includes six stamps dedicated to the Tokarnia Ethnographic Park, the Nida River, Sandomierz, Kadzielnia in Kielce, Krzyżtopór Castle, and Chęciny Castle. The three First Day Covers that complete the collection feature images of the Tokarnia Ethnographic Park, the Pieprzowe Mountains, and the Karczówka Nature Reserve with its former Bernardine monastery.
Attractions on stamps
The Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia is a unique place that allows you to travel back in time and discover rural life in the Świętokrzyskie region from centuries ago. The park showcases the distinctive settlement pattern of villages from various parts of the Kielce region and is part of the Kielce Village Museum in Kielce. Covering an area of over 65 hectares, it houses a collection of all that constitutes the tradition of Polish rural life.
The Nida River is one of the most charming rivers in Poland. It is exceptionally popular with kayakers and nature lovers. Its picturesque landscapes, peace, and tranquility attract many enthusiasts. The forested banks of the Nida are home to numerous animal species, and during a kayaking trip, you can admire a variety of fauna and flora. It's a perfect place for a picnic in the bosom of nature, where you can relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding nature.
Sandomierz, sometimes called "Little Rome," captivates with its unique atmosphere, medieval architecture, and picturesque location on the Vistula River. The city skyline boasts towers and numerous monuments, including the Opatowska Gate, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Royal Castle, and the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
Kadzielnia, a distinctive hill in the southwestern part of Kielce, is an oasis of intriguing nature in the heart of the city. A former quarry, now flooded, created the Emerald Lake. For thrill-seekers, a zipline ride over the Kadzielnia cliffs is available, one of the longest routes in Poland, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure.
Krzyżtopór Castle, built at the initiative of Krzysztof Ossoliński, was an impressive residence combining the functions of a residential palace with the elements of a defensive fortress. Before the construction of Versailles, it was the largest palace complex in Europe, renowned for its luxury and splendor. Legend has it that the ceiling in the dining hall was made of glass, allowing diners to admire exotic sea fish swimming above. The castle stables featured marble mangers and crystal mirrors that illuminated the rooms.
Chęciny Castle was valued by monarchs for its exceptional defensive capabilities. Władysław the Elbow-high placed the crown treasury here to protect it from a potential threat from the Teutonic Knights. Queen Bona Sforza, wife of Sigismund I the Old, is the most famous figure associated with the castle. After the king's death, she was in conflict with her son, Sigismund Augustus, and decided to leave Poland. The fortune accumulated over the years was loaded onto several hundred carts, but during the crossing of the Nida River, the wooden bridge failed to withstand the load and collapsed, causing some of the treasures to sink into the river. According to legend, Queen Bona's ghost still appears at the castle, searching for her lost riches.
Stamps promoting tourism
In 2022, Poczta Polska launched its "Beauty of Poland" issue with natural and landscape stamps showcasing unique locations in Podlasie. Six philatelic stamps feature the Branicki Palace in Białystok, the Kruszyniany mosque, the Orthodox monastery in Supraśl, the historic church in Tykocin, the Bison Reserve in Białowieża National Park, and the picturesque panorama of Drohiczyn – these are the pearls of Podlasie, captured in the photographs used in this unique stamp series.
A year later, stamps from this issue depicted the synagogue in Szczebrzeszyn, the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chełm, a panorama of the Zamość market square, the Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hrubieszów, Polish horses from Roztocze, and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Kodeń. Along with the six-stamp series, three First Day Covers were issued, featuring landscape views of the Roztocze National Park.
In 2023, Poczta Polska also introduced stamps from the "Poland See More" series, showcasing the beauty of the Western Bieszczady Mountains and the Crooked Forest natural monument. In 2022, two stamps from the same series were issued, depicting historic tenement houses and the town hall in Zamość, as well as the mysterious Czocha Castle. The 2020 edition included stamps depicting Biebrza National Park and the Muskau Arch GEOPARK, while the 2018 issue was dedicated to the Baltic coast and the Weimar Chamber in the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
About stamps:
Author of the stamp design: Paweł Myszka
Number of stamps: 6
Value: PLN 4.90
Circulation: 540,000 pieces in total
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 51mm x 39.5mm
Paper: fluorescent
Date of introduction into circulation: 27/05/2024