Jasna Gora Sanctuary in Czestochowa

It is the holiest place of Poland, not only for polish people – Czestochowa is one of the world’s most important destinations for pilgrims. Every year several million pilgrims go to Czestochowa to pray and take part in big national, religious movement. In 1979 the pope John Paul II visited Jasna Gora for the first time as a pope which gives the place even bigger significance for poles. The Jasna Gora (Bright Mount in Polish) sanctuary in Czestochowa is monumental and beautiful and it happens to be close to Krakow (a,5 hour by train, 1 hour by car), so if you have a free day go ahead. A reminder – especially in the August the whole city is jammed with pilgrims.

The heart of Jasna Gora is 15th-century Gothic chapel with the holy picture of Saint Mary. Next to that you have Baroque church, build in 1695. The adjacent mid-17th-century early-Baroque monastery contains the Great Refectory of 1644, the Knight Hall of 1647, and the 18th-century library with unmatched collection of old books. Fortifications date from 1643 while majestic gates are a century younger. The whole complex has been build on a hill and gives the tourists magnificent view on the whole city.

Definitely something to see if you have enough of Krakow, if you have already visited Kazimierz, Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica and other interesting places in Krakow.

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