£agiewnicki woods , £agiewniki The £agiewniki forest, situated within the borders of the city has got 1200 ha in area, and the very fact makes it unique I the European scale, since none of the European metropolises can boars of such a vast forest complex, natural and yet close to the centre. Its location poses a lot of problems and threats, particularly of an ecological nature. Its recent plan seems to guarantee the right policy of protection of the valueless natural aspects of the forest and its border.
The £agiewniki Forest is a relic of the primeaval forests which used to surround the tiny settlement of £ód¼ in the Middle Ages. The whole area was cleared in the course of the 19th century growth of the cify, so that they remained but in its northern border. The area displays varied surface features, particularly in its eastern part. There are also the River Bzura springs there, together with a network of brooks and ponds. The vegetation mantle is made up of a variety of tree species, with a predominance of the oak, there are also spruce and birch. While wandering in the forest we can sometimes meet squirrels and deer, not to mention the numerous bird species.
The £agiewniki Forest does not just make an attraction for nature lovers. Close to the route to Zgierz there is one of the oldest historical sites of £ód¼ - the Franciscan monastery from the early 18th century, an object of pilgrimages, famous for its cult of the painting of St Antony as well as that of the miraculous tomb of Venerable Rafa³ Chyliński. There are musical concerts organised there every summer. In its close neighbourhood there are two larch chapels of the St. Roch and St Antony's ‘Hermitage' from the 18th century situated in a picturesque little valley. Next to the pond we can find the baron Ludwig von Heinzel-Hohenfels palace, designed according to F. Schwechten's scheme, a well know Berlin architect, in 1898. The recreation values of £agiewniki are further enhanced owing to its swimming and hotel facilities. And it's just 20 minutes away from ul. Piotrkowska! Source of information: "The city of colour" | 
Wirtualna £ód¼