Basic data about the reserve:
Area: 7.76 ha
Year of establishment: 1978
Type: inanimate nature
Location/GPS coordinates: Chęciny, ul. Dobrzączka / Φ:50° 49' 36.900"Δ:20° 29' 59.000"
Description of the facility:
The Paradise Cave was discovered in 1964. It was formed in Devonian limestones that make up the Malik hill in the Bolechowice Range. You can admire underground karst forms, such as: stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates, pasta, necrotic bowls with cave pearls (pisoids), dripstones (curtains, draperies, glazes). Researchers learned about the cave's inhabitants from the silt studied during its opening. The remains of molluscs, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals were found (remains of a wolf, cave bear, brown bear, cave hyena, mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, horse, bison, musk ox, reindeer). Traces of human presence were also discovered, including traces of fires, remains of a reindeer antler barrier securing the entrance to the cave and many flint tools. The cave was inhabited by humans around 53-40 thousand years ago.
Currently, the Paradise Cave can be visited. An underground route of 180 m in length has been opened, preceded by a thematic exhibition. The Neanderthal Centre complements the cave's offer. Advance reservations are required.
Near the Raj Cave there is a red hiking trail, the Rocks and Caves cycling trail and the Defensive Architecture trail.