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HEALTH RESORT TOWN USTROŃ
The Ustroń health resort has two hundred years of tradition. Ustroń is a spa town of piedmont character /1020-1350 ft/ with a relatively warm climate. Nowadays it offers 1650 beds in several sanatoriums, 120 beds in the Silesian Rehabilitation Center and 360 in the Silesian Rheumatic Hospital.
All of these places offer comfortable single-, double- or 3-person rooms with private bathroom and toilet, and provide medical and therapeutic rooms and cafes. The most important part of the resort district Zawodzie is the Physiotherapeutic Center (Uzdrowiskowy Zakład Przyrodoleczniczy), equipped with modern medical devices and equipment. It specializes in physiotherapeutic treatment such as saline baths (done in separate bathtubs or in special pools), mud baths, laser-, light- and electric therapy, cryotherapy, inhalations and massages. The rehabilitation in the sanatoriums is available not only for the patients of Regional Health Funds but also in fact for everyone who pays full charge for the sojourn and treatment. There are only a few examples of the town's old traditional buildings. Constructed in 1769, the wooden St Anna's Church in Ustroń Nierodzim, is one of the most precious, and a reconstructed wooden building from the second half of the XVIII century is also worth seeing. Another example of interesting architecture is the Roman Catholic Church of St Clement from 1788. In front of it you can see two statues by the XVIII century sculptor Wacław Donay: one of them represents St Joseph with the Child, the other Jan Nepomucen. The Protestant Church dedicated to the Apostle Jacob, was constructed in 1835. The church, built in classical style, has a large nave with adjoining aisles. The altar, designed by the Austrian architect Repreeut, stands in the semicircular chancel. While walking through the streets of the town, make a visit to Ironworks and Smithy Museum housed in the former headquarters of the ironworks. The exhibition presents the history of the ironworks in Ustroń. You can see miniature models of various machines as well as some iron objects. The rooms on the ground floor are used for temporary exhibitions. They also house Ustroń Modern Art Gallery. An interesting tourist attraction is Sobieski's Oak Tree from 1683. The legend has it that the local people to commemorate King Sobieski's victory at Vienna planted the tree.
Taking a red-colored trail from Zawodzie to Równica you get to the XVIII century stone altar, which was used by the persecuted Lutherans as a place of religious worship.
There are only a few examples of the town's old traditional buildings. Constructed in 1769, the wooden St Anna's Church in Ustroń Nierodzim, is one of the most precious, and a reconstructed wooden building from the second half of the XVIII century is also worth seeing. Another example of interesting architecture is the Roman Catholic Church of St Clement from 1788. In front of it you can see two statues by the XVIII century sculptor Wacław Donay: one of them represents St Joseph with the Child, the other Jan Nepomucen. The Protestant Church dedicated to the Apostle Jacob, was constructed in 1835. The church, built in classical style, has a large nave with adjoining aisles. The altar, designed by the Austrian architect Repreeut, stands in the semicircular chancel. While walking through the streets of the town, make a visit to Ironworks and Smithy Museum housed in the former headquarters of the ironworks. The exhibition presents the history of the ironworks in Ustroń. You can see miniature models of various machines as well as some iron objects. The rooms on the ground floor are used for temporary exhibitions. They also house Ustroń Modern Art Gallery. An interesting tourist attraction is Sobieski's Oak Tree from 1683. The legend has it that the local people to commemorate King Sobieski's victory at Vienna planted the tree.
An unusual setting amidst the picturesque slopes of Czantoria and Równica, well-marked walks, mountain hikes and sport facilities provide excellent conditions for climbing, skiing, cycling and other summer and winter sports. There are numerous signposted trails for walking, hiking and cycling. Sport lovers will appreciate conditions for more extreme sports activities such as mountain running, cross-country races or hang gliding, or simply fishing, swimming and other water sports
One of the main attractions is the chair lift to the top of Czantoria and Summer Toboggan-Run also from Czantoria. The nearby clearing of Stokłosica commands fine panoramic views over Ustroń and the Beskid Śląski region; whereas from the top of Czantoria, on a sunny day, you can admire the Tatra Mountains and Mała Fatra. From the top of Czantoria you can cross the border to the Czech Republic.
The top of Równica is accessible on foot and by car. Apart from the wonderful views, tourists can enjoy a homely atmosphere of the hostel and a rustic charm of the old huts.
There are a lot of attractions waiting for tourists visiting Ustroń in winter. Amateur skiers have at their disposal several ski lifts, well-kept alpine ski slopes, many of them artificially lit and snow-covered. In case of bad weather Ustroń offers indoor swimming pools, fitness centres, sauna baths, solariums, facilities for playing billiards, gyms and indoor tennis courts.
There are numerous cultural events taking place in Ustroń all year round. Most of them are organized annually in the amphitheatre or in the local Culture Center "Prażakówka". Worth mentioning are the Art Season Inauguration, the Partnership Towns Festival, Religious Festival "Gaude Fest", Summer Beauty Contest, Theatre Festival "UST-a", Harvest Festival, Autumn Music Festival, New Year's Concert. Local music and art groups play an important role in the cultural life of Ustroń. These are: the "Czantoria" Folk Group and the Children's Folk Group "Równica".
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