The most valuable monument in the town is the Salt Mine, entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. The medical benefits of this mine can be enjoyed in the Bochnia’s Salt Mine Health Resort. The unique micro-climate and good infrastructure attract many to the underground chambers.
There are other objects and places also worthy of attention. One of those is the town centre with the market square which has retained its medieval layout since the days of the town’s incorporation. There are beautiful town houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The calm streets have kept their 16th-century names: Oracka, Solna Góra, Floris. There are also several streets with names connected to salt mining.
The majestic Basilica of St. Nicolaus, founded in 1253, is a valuable monument of religious art. The present building, erected around 1440 and rebuilt a number of times, is decorated with a Gothic facade, and has a Baroque – Rococo interior. The Basilica is a Marian sanctuary, it hosts a miraculous painting of Our Lady of Bochnia, crowned in 1934.
Every visitor to Bochnia should visit the museum which is located at Bochnia’s market square in the former building of the Dominican Order. It was established in 1959 and is currently named after the founder and first curator, professor Stanisław Fischer. Even though the subject of his work was mostly the land of Bochnia, the significance of the museum reaches beyond the region.
An ecologically clean region, 800 years of history (the first mention of Bochnia comes from 1198), and a very special atmosphere are just a few of Bochnia’s attributes. The surrounding area is also full of interest: suburban manors, a complex of Baroque and Renaissance buildings from the 17th century in Nowy Wiśnicz, Lipnica Murowana with its wooden monuments, the proximity to Cracow and Wieliczka and, above all, the closeness of famous tourist regions such as the Island Beskids and Beskid Sądecki make Bochnia the perfect place for at least a couple days “escape”. Everyone will find something to suit themselves.
In 2014 the Family Park “Uzbornia” was opened to the public. The park is located on one of the seven hills upon which Bochnia sits.
The park is divided into 2 parts which are further divided into zones, according to the terrain, natural features, and, most importantly, the different needs of users (their age and character):
- representative zone, with a memorial monument, the honour avenue, promenade
- quiet (contemplation) zone, equipped with benches, walking routes
- active leisure zone, including the complex of pitches (volleyball pitch, beach volleyball pitch, multifunctional pitch), skate-park, chess tables, playground, a mini amphitheatre with a tribune and a fitness park
There is a place which provides historical information about the “Uzbornia” park, the objects located within it, and other attractions of the town of Bochnia. A gastronomic pavilion with a viewing terrace was built. The pavilion features sanitary facilities.
The park on Uzbornia hill provides a magnificent view of the town and Niepołomice Forest.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel COLD – 5, Storynka Street
- Hotel SUTORIS – 2, Solna Street
- Hotel ZALESIE – 1A, Dąbrowskiego Street
- NOWA BOCHNIA – 24, ks. Józefa Poniatowskiego Street
- Hotel NAD RABĄ – 121, Proszowska Street
- Dormitory – DOM PIELGRZYMA (the Pilgrim’s House) – 10, Stasiaka Street
- Gościniec SALTON – 2, Serafińskich Street
- Hostel Bochnia – 7, Partyzantów Street
City
Turism
