Religious Destinations Archives - Poland Tourist Information

Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic

Holy Cross Wood Relic – Updated 16 January 2023.

Holy Cross Wood Relic

The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic, also known as the Sanctuary of the Holy Cross, is a religious site located in Kielce, Poland. It is home to a relic of the True Cross, which is a piece of wood said to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The relic was brought to Kielce in the 12th century by the bishop of Krakow, Iwo Odrowąż.

The sanctuary is a popular pilgrimage site, and it is visited by thousands of people each year. The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross is also home to a church, which was built in the 18th century, and the church features a unique baroque architecture. The relic of the True Cross is kept in the main altar of the church. There is also a museum on the site, which provides information about the history of the relic and the sanctuary.

Healing powers

The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Poland, and it is also a significant historical and cultural landmark in the region. The relic is believed to have healing powers, and it is said to be particularly effective in the treatment of eye diseases, and the Sanctuary is also visited by people seeking spiritual healing.

The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic is open to visitors all year round, and it can be accessed by foot or by car. Guided tours of the sanctuary and its museum are also available.

Święty Krzyż mountain

The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic and Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary are located on Łysiec mountain, nowadays referred to as Święty Krzyż mountain.

Witchcraft and hellish parties

Święty Krzyż (Mount Holy Cross) is the second highest mountain in the region at 595m. If you believe local folk legend, the mountain was especially liked by witches and during their Sabbaths, they practised witchcraft and organised hellish parties and dances on the summit.

Pilgrims

Every year, the Holy Cross Sanctuary is visited by crowds of pilgrims, visitors and tourists, who want to see this unique place. In the church on the mountain you can see a valuable painting of Franciszek Smuglewicz, monastery porches, a sacristy, the Oleśnicki family’s chapel and the Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

500 million years old

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains are not particularly high; however they are ancient. Quartzite has been discovered in the area that is 500 million years old. The highest peak is Mount Łysica at 614 m and is located within the Świętokrzyski National Park.

Holy Cross Province (Swietokrzyskie) is located in south eastern Poland and has the city of Kielce as its regional capital. Often referred to as, “The heart of Poland.”

Kielce

With a history dating back over 900 years, Kielce was once an important mining centre, today, the city and its surroundings are better known for their historic architecture, green spaces and recreational areas like the Świętokrzyski National Park and the Kadzielnia Reserve. Kielce is the only city in Europe which counts five nature reserves within its borders.

Attractions

There’s a lot of attractions to see in Kielce. The former Palace of the Kraków Bishops, the picturesque National Museum, Kielce Cathedral, and Dworek Laszczyków are must-sees.

Holy Cross Province (Swietokrzyskie)Holy Cross Wood Relic Kielce Łysiec mountain Missionary Oblates Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary Świętokrzyskie Mountains Święty Krzyż

polandtravel

April 28, 2021

Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska

Wooden churches

Wooden churches – updated 10 January 2023.

The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list are located in: Binarowa (ca 1500), Blizne (mid-15^th century.), Dębno (1335), Haczów (14^th/15^th century), Lipnica Murowana (end of 15^th century) and Sękowa (1520). They were built using the horizontal log technique and represent outstanding examples of the different aspects of medieval church-building traditions in Roman Catholic culture.

These old wooden Gothic churches were all located within the historic region of Małopolska in southern and south-eastern Poland and were sponsored by families of nobility as symbols of their prestige.

Horizontal Log Technique

The horizontal log technique was commonplace in Northern and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. The wooden church style of the region was Gothic ornament and painted detail and was very different to the style of stone and brick buildings at the time due to the timber construction, structure and form of the churches.

The form of the churches was influenced by the Greco-Catholic and Orthodox presence in the region. They had an extensive spatial structure initially consisting of a rectangular nave and a narrower chancel to the east, usually terminating in a three-sided apse. Chambered towers of post-and-beam construction were added at the west end later on.

Advanced joinery

The standard of joinery was of the highest quality and the use of advanced joinery solutions allowed for a system of roof trusses binding the log structures of the nave and chancel resulting in tall, shingled roofs.

The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska all exhibit diverse techniques and styles of workmanship, rich iconography, outstanding artistic quality and boast valuable décors and fittings.

The oldest church is the 15^th century church in Haczów, made of fir-wood and covered with shingles.

The church at Binarowa boasts a very precious wall painting depicting scenes from the New Testament and a carved wood figure of Madonna from the 14^th century.

The majority of the wooden churches are located in picturesque mountain valleys and the six trails on the Route of Timber Architecture in the Małopolska region are over 1500km long. They feature 232 timber constructions including 123 Roman Catholic churches, 39 Orthodox churches, 25 rural and small-town complexes, and 27 rural architecture museums that comprise 9 skansens and 14 country manors.

FAQ

Q: What are the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska?

A: The Wooden Churches are a group of 15 medieval churches that are located in the southern part of the Malopolska region of Poland. They are characterized by their unique wooden architecture and are considered to be some of the most valuable examples of medieval wooden church architecture in Europe. These churches were built by local communities in the 16th and 17th century, and are notable for their intricate and ornate design, as well as for their historical and cultural significance.

Q: What are the characteristics of these Wooden Churches?

A: These churches are characterized by their wooden structure and the ornate decorations on their exteriors and interiors. Many of them have tall spires, multiple towers, and richly decorated facades. They are usually painted in bright colors and adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Bible or local folklore. The interiors are usually decorated with biblical scenes and religious motifs, often painted in a vivid colors. The technical characteristics of these churches also make them interesting, many of them were built using the technique of log construction, but others were built using wooden frame construction, and they offer a great example of how these ancient techniques were used.

Q: How can I visit the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska?

A: The churches are open to visitors and can be visited during the daytime. The opening hours of the churches vary, so it is best to check the information on the official website or contact the church directly for more information. Some of the churches are located in remote areas and are difficult to reach by public transportation, so it is recommended to have your own means of transportation, or to consider joining a guided tour.

Q: Are there any guided tours available?

A: Yes, there are several tour companies that offer guided tours of the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska. These tours typically include visits to several of the churches, and provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history, architecture and cultural significance of the churches. Some tours also include other nearby attractions, such as castles and historical towns, which can give visitors a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s culture and history.

Q: Are there any other nearby attractions?

A: Yes, there are several other notable attractions in the southern Malopolska region, including:

The Castle of Sandomierz, which is a medieval castle that is located in the town of Sandomierz.
The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, which is a modern pilgrimage site that is located in the town of Krakow-Lagiewniki.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which is a beautiful baroque pilgrimage site that is located in the town of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
The Eagle Nests Trail, a beautiful hiking trail that runs through the region, passing by several castles and offering panoramic views of the countryside
The Salt Mine in Wieliczka, one of the most visited site in the region, a unique subterranean complex with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.

Wooden Churches Tour

What to expect from this tour

Highlights

Discover 4 UNESCO-listed wooden churches on a guided tour
Learn about the historical and cultural significance of these Gothic churches
Drive through villages of Lesser Poland and take in the Polish landscape

Description

Learn about the gems of Polish wooden architecture outside of Kraków. Visit several villages to see the collection of Gothic wooden churches designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your guide/driver will pick you up at 8:00 AM from your accommodation in Kraków. The first town you will visit is Lipnica Murowana to see St. Leonard’s Church, which was built at the end of 15th century. This is 1 of 6 churches designated a UNESCO Wooden Church of Southern Lesser Poland.

Continue on to see 2 more churches on this UNESCO list, starting with St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Binarowa. This church, completed in 1500, features one of the most valuable appearances of late Gothic architecture in Poland. The third stop on the route is the village of Sękowa. See another example of Gothic wooden architecture at Saints Philip and James Church, built around 1520. This church is often named the “Pearl of Beskid Niski” due to its unique architecture.

Finally, head to Owczary, the last stop on the tour, where the Orthodox Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Church is located. Erected in the middle of the 17th century, this is one of the oldest Lemko churches and is listed on another UNESCO list: Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine. After touring these 4 remarkable, historical churches, return to Kraków where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Includes

Entrance fees
Driver/Guide
Pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned minibus

UNESCO World Heritage site wooden churches

polandtravel

March 26, 2021

Wooden Tserkvas Of The Carpathian Region

Wooden Tserkvas

Wooden Tserkvas – updated 09 January 2023.

The tserkvas Of The Carpathian Region were built between the 16th and 19th centuries by communities of Orthodox and Greek Catholic faiths. Sixteen tserkvas (churches) are listed by UNESCO of which eight are located in Poland and eight are located in Ukraine.

Complex structures

The tserkvas were built of horizontal logs and were complex structures constructed using distinct building traditions rooted in Orthodox ecclesiastic design interwoven with elements of local tradition. The wooden tserkvas were built on a tri-partite plan surmounted by open quadrilateral or octagonal domes and cupolas with wooden bell towers on the outside and iconostases and polychrome decorations in the inside.

Outside, they had churchyards, gatehouses and graveyards bounded by perimeter walls or fences and gates, often surrounded by trees.

Carpentry skills

Exceptional carpentry skills were required to construct the tserkvas particularly for the complex corner jointing that was required. The tserkvas were raised on wooden sills placed on stone foundations, with wooden shingles covering roofs and walls.

Poland

The tserkvas in Poland are the Tserkva of St Parascheva in Radruż, the Tserkva of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chotyniec, the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Smolnik, the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Turzańsk (Podkarpackie Voivodeship), the Tserkva of St James the Less in Powroźnik, the Tserkva of the Virgin Mary’s Care in Owczary, the Tserkva of St Parascheva in Kwiatoń and the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Brunary Wyżne (Małpolskie Voivodeship).

The 16 churches can be divided into four groups of different ethnographic architectural traditions.

The Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine were included on the World Heritage List in 2013 during the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee in Phnom Penh (dec. 37 COM 8B.37).

Buildings are available to visitors. The tserkvas in Radruz, Rohatyn and Drohobych are currently used as museums.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the wooden tserkvas (churches) of the Carpathian region:

Where are the tserkvas of the Carpathian region located?
The tserkvas are located in the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. They can be found in countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

What is the history of the tserkvas?
The tserkvas have a long history dating back to the medieval period. They were built by the Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic communities of the region, and they were an important cultural and spiritual center for these communities. Many of the tserkvas are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their architectural and historical significance.

Are the tserkvas of the Carpathian region open to the public?
Yes, many of the tserkvas are open to the public. Some are still used as places of worship, while others have been converted into museums or cultural centers.

Is there a cost to visit the wooden tserkvas?
There may be a fee to visit some of the tserkvas. The cost of admission varies depending on the specific tserkva and the type of tour or visit you choose.

Are there guided tours of the wooden tserkvas of the Carpathian region?
Yes, guided tours of the wooden tserkvas are available for visitors. The tours are typically offered in the local language, but English-language tours may also be available upon request.

Are the wooden tserkvas of the Carpathian region wheelchair accessible?
The accessibility of the tserkvas can vary. Some of the tserkvas may have stairs or other barriers that make them difficult to access for people with mobility impairments. It is recommended to contact the specific tserkva you plan to visit in advance to inquire about accessibility details.

the Tserkva of St James the Less in Powroźnik the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Smolnik the Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Turzańsk (Podkarpackie Voivodeship)the Tserkva of St Parascheva in Kwiatoń the Tserkva of St Parascheva in Radruż the Tserkva of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chotyniec the Tserkva of the Virgin Mary’s Care in Owczary Tserkva of St Michael the Archangel in Brunary Wyżne UNESCO World Heritage site

polandtravel

March 26, 2021

Churches Of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica

Churches Of Peace

Churches Of Peace – updated 10 January 2023.

The Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica, were built in the former Silesia in the mid-17th century. They were named after the Peace of Westphalia, which was the name given to two peace treaties signed in October 1648 that resulted in the end of the Thirty Years War bringing peace to the Holy Roman Empire and closing a calamitous period of European history that killed approximately eight million people.

The peace treaties effectively eradicated the Evangelical Church in the region depriving the Evangelical majority of the population any religious freedom and all of their churches.

After diplomatic intervention by Sweden, permission was granted to build three churches outside the city walls; however, this permission came with strict physical and political constraints. The Lutherans of Silesia were allowed to build three churches from wood, clay and straw without steeples and church bells with a construction deadline of just one year.

Albrecht von Säbisch

The project was handed to architect and engineer Albrecht von Säbisch who had the difficult task of meeting the requirements of the large Evangelical community whilst also adhering to the caveats imposed on the construction of the churches.

The architect created a set of buildings that represented the pinnacle of timber-framing construction technology and architectural solutions. The Churches of Peace are the largest timber-framed Baroque ecclesiastical buildings in Europe and were built to a scale and complexity unknown in European wooden architecture before or since.

Albrecht von Säbisch used traditional materials and technologies and despite the impermanence of the materials used, the building survived for hundreds of years.

Jawor

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Jawor was built in 1654–1655 as a rectangular three-aisled basilica with a three-sided chancel of reduced form.

Świdnica

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Świdnica was built in 1656–1657 as a three-aisled basilica with a Greek cross ground plan. The third of the Churches of Peace allowed under the Peace of Westphalia was built in Głogów in 1652 but burned down a hundred years later. Since 2001, the two remaining churches are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers that you might find helpful:

Q: Where are the Churches of Peace located?
A: The two Churches of Peace (Jaworska and Świdnicka) are located in the Lower Silesia region of Poland, in the towns of Jawor and Świdnica, respectively. Both are located in southwestern Poland.

Q: When were the Churches of Peace built?
A: The Church of Peace in Jawor was built between 1655 and 1657, while the Church of Peace in Świdnica was built between 1657 and 1666.

Q: What is the history of the Churches of Peace?
A: The Churches of Peace were built as part of the Treaty of Westphalia, which brought an end to the 30 Years War (1618-1648) in Europe. The treaty granted the Protestants of Silesia the right to build three wooden churches, as a counterbalance to the Catholic churches in the region. The Jawor and Świdnica churches are two of the three that were built. They are some of the largest wooden religious buildings in Europe and are considered architectural and engineering masterpieces of their time.

Q: What can I see on a visit to the Churches of Peace?
A: Visitors can explore the interior of the churches and admire the intricate woodwork and the beautiful frescoes and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. You can also see the organ, pulpit, and altar.

Q: Are the Churches of Peace open to visitors?
A: Yes, both churches are open to visitors, but please check the official website for current opening hours and potential restrictions.

Q: How long does a visit to the Churches of Peace last?
A: A visit to the Churches of Peace can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much you want to explore and learn.

Q: Are there any special requirements to visit the Churches of Peace?
A: There are no special requirements to visit the Churches of Peace, but visitors should be aware that photography inside the churches is not allowed.

Q: Are there any other things to do in the area?
A: Both Jawor and Świdnica are historic towns with charming old town squares and many other interesting buildings, monuments, and museums to visit. The area is also great for hiking and biking. The region is also famous for its culture of glass making and it is worth visiting some of the glassworks and museums to learn more about it.