A Section of the Pieniny Trail

Approximately halfway along the Pieniny Trail, on the southwestern slopes of Golica, lies a group of rock formations known as the Seven Monks. The rocks reach a height of up to 80 meters and have attracted the attention of locals and tourists for centuries.

The Legend

According to local legends, the boulders are actually monks from the Red Monastery who were turned into stone. They were on their way to visit a nun living on the other side of the river in Facimiech. They were transformed as punishment for their sins and serve as a warning to other clergymen.

Wealth in the Vicinity

Not far from the Red Monastery and the village of Haligowce are the Haligowskie Rocks, which belong to the Golica group. This is a group of rock formations, with the most important ones having their own names: Białe Skały (White Rocks), Ciemna (Dark), Kończysta, Michałowa, and Sowia. Within the Haligowskie Rocks, there are various rock formations, such as rock windows or arcades. Several caves can also be found in this area: Zbójnicka, Koza, Borsucza, and even the largest in the entire Pieniny Mountains, Aksamitka.

Fascinating for Scientists

The Haligowskie Rocks have long attracted researchers due to their unique structure and flora. In 1903, they were even studied by an expedition from the XI Congress in Vienna. The area of the Haligowskie Rocks is part of the Pieniny National Park and has enjoyed strict protection status since

A famous peak that no one has climbed

Golica, also known as Holica, is the most recognizable peak in the group. It is very visible from Sokolica and Trzy Korony, with which it is even structurally connected, although it is often considered part of the Lesser Pieniny. According to Eugeniusz Janota, who lived in the 19th century, the name “Golica” or “Goła” (meaning “bare”) comes from the fact that a forest burned down there several decades earlier, and the peak was no longer covered with trees.

Steep slopes

The northern slopes of Golica, rising over 400 meters above the Dunajec valley, are characterized by a steep incline of approximately 45° and an abundance of rock formations made of limestone. The largest group of these formations is the Seven Monks, located on the southwestern slope. This group extends from the foot of the slope to a height of over 700 meters above sea level and consists of several rock towers.

Leśnica in an unusual location

Leśnica is a small Slovak village located just 4 kilometers from Szczawnica. Although it lies between the Lesser Pieniny Mountains and the Golica Group, the village is considered part of the historical Spiš region! Its history dates back to 1297, when it was founded by the Görgey family in the area of present-day Stara Leśnica. From the 16th century, the village became the property of monks from the Red Monastery.

Isolated from the rest of the world

For many years, Leśnica was isolated from the rest of the world because there were no roads leading to the village. Thanks to this isolation, the traditions of Pieniny folklore have been preserved here, including old customs, a distinctive architectural style, pastoral traditions, and clothing. In 1751, members of a Viennese scientific expedition reached Leśnica, traveling through the Pieniny Gorge. The first narrow road to the village was built only in the 1870s, connecting it to Szczawnica and becoming known as the Pieniny Road!

In the 19th century, Leśnica became popular among holidaymakers and hikers who traversed the trail between the villages of Śmierdzonka (now part of the Red Monastery) and Szczawnica. The main attraction of Leśnica is the 17th-century Roman Catholic church and the traditional wooden cottages with thick logs.

Views

Limierz is a wide and gentle mountain pass located at an altitude of 677 meters above sea level, on the northern ridge of the Golica Group. In the vicinity of the pass, there is a junction of hiking trails, a small meadow, and a shelter for tourists. From this location, the views extend only to the north. However, a much wider panorama opens up above this point, on the southern side of the pass. This area is characterized by vast open spaces, including meadows, offering a wide panoramic view. The Three Crowns look particularly impressive from here.

Aqua Velo

The Aqua Velo cycling route, which connects Polish and Slovak spa towns, runs through the pass. The section that passes through the pass, for example, connects Stara Lubowla with Szczawnica. This route can be used to reach the Red Monastery without using the Pieniny Road.