Ponds and Forest Ecology
Eleven ponds separated by dams give Stawy Siedleckie a distinctive natural character in Siedlce. The 224-hectare faunal nature reserve has been in existence since 2008. It protects breeding habitats, feeding and resting grounds for rare bird species, and habitats for rare protected plant and invertebrate species. Its conservation objectives therefore cover a range of habitats and rare species.
Another way to experience nature is the Sekuła nature and forest trail: the 2.1-kilometre circular route has eight information boards about how forest ecosystems work. While forest ecology is the focus here, Stawy Siedleckie is about ponds and the protection of rare species. The Zielone Siedlce cycling route connects the areas around the reservoir, the Dolina Muchawki ecological landscape feature, Sekuła Forest with its nature and education trail, and Siedlce Błonia.
Park History and Recreation
Aleksandria Park in Siedlce was first laid out in the first half of the 18th century as an Italian-style garden. During the time of Princess Aleksandra Ogińska, it was redesigned in the sentimental style based on a plan by Franciszek Salezy Sarnowski. The park’s development can thus be traced through two distinct periods of design.
The park is a place for recreation and leisure, as well as a venue for cultural and artistic events. Its playground for the youngest visitors and families is divided into areas for children of different ages. There is also an outdoor fitness trail. The park’s history, recreational facilities and events thus represent different aspects of the site.
Architectural History and Collections
The architectural history of Pałac Ogińskich spans two clearly dated periods: Kazimierz Czartoryski had the palace built before 1730; Aleksandra Ogińska extensively remodelled it in the neoclassical style in 1779–1781.
Among the holdings of the Muzeum Diecezjalne in Siedlce is El Greco’s painting “The Ecstasy of Saint Francis,” the museum’s most valuable exhibit. El Greco lived from 1541 to 1614.
To help you plan your visit, the Tourist Information Centre in Siedlce provides free printed tourist materials about Siedlce and the surrounding area. They give you an overview of the city and its surroundings, while the park, nature trails, architectural history and art each offer their own way to discover the destination.
Explore the wider Mazovia destination
The Nadbużański Landscape Park extends across 21 municipalities. Twelve of them are in the Masovian Voivodeship: Ceranów, Sterdyń, Kosów Lacki, Liw, Łochów, Miedzna, Sadowne, Stoczek, Korytnica, Sabnie, Repki and, in part, Korczew. Spanning numerous municipalities gives the landscape park a different geographical scale from that of a single town park.
Another regional cultural story concerns the 1745 organ by Joachim Wagner. It was discovered in 2003 in the attic of a church in Pruszyn near Siedlce and carefully restored; today it is heard again at open concerts of organ music.
Discover more destinations: Siedlce, Chodów, Zbuczyn, Borki-Wyrki, Korczew, Żyrardów, Sokołowski, Mława.
Go to the wider travel overview: Mazovia.
