Świętokrzyskie Mountains

mountains, Poland

Also known as: Góry Świętokrzyskie, Holy Cross Mountains

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Polish:: Góry Świętokrzyskie

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Świętokrzyskie Mountains, mountain range, part of the Little Poland Uplands, in south-central Poland, surrounding the city of Kielce. The highest peaks are Łysica (2,008 feet [612 m]) and Łysa Mountain (1,946 feet [593 m]), both in the Łysogóry range.

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains take their name, which means “Holy Cross,” from that of an old Benedictine abbey that was located on Łysa Mountain. Copper and red sandstone formerly were taken from the area, now the site of the Świętokrzyski National Park, established in 1950.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.