Olkusz, Medieval mining town in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland.
Olkusz is a town in southwestern Poland, situated roughly 37 kilometers northwest of Krakow, near the Baba River. The built area spreads over gentle hills and open fields, with residential districts and commercial zones along the main roads.
The town received royal privileges in 1299 and developed into a center for silver and lead mining during the medieval period. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the settlement grew on the wealth from the mines and trade with nearby Krakow.
The Basilika of Saint Andrew stands in the old town center and serves as a gathering place for parish celebrations and religious events. On the surrounding streets, regular markets offer regional produce from the nearby countryside.
Roads from Krakow and Warsaw lead directly into town, and several bus lines connect the different neighborhoods. The old town is easy to explore on foot, while other areas are accessible by local transport.
Old mining tunnels run beneath the streets, dating back to the centuries of metal extraction, and some sections are occasionally opened to the public. These underground passages recall the long tradition of ore mining in the region.
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