Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - sightseeing and attractions

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Lesser Poland region. The main attraction of the town is the Marian and Passion Sanctuary, the Bernardine Monastery, and the surrounding Calvary paths with picturesque chapels hidden in the forest, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What to see in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska?

In Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, all roads lead to the sanctuary and the Bernardine Monastery. You can get there by car, or walk (about 15-20 min. walk from the Market Square).

Bernardine Monastery, Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and Marian and Passion Sanctuary

The history of the monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, when the owner of these lands, Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, decided to recreate the layout of the chapels of the Lord's Passion in Jerusalem. Thus, the first Polish "calvary" was created, which quickly became a famous pilgrimage center.

Additionally, in the second half of the 17th century, the cult of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Calvary began (you can find it in the side chapel of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels).

Moving nativity scene in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

During the Christmas period (every year from December 25 to February 1), one of the largest and most beautiful moving nativity scenes in Poland awaits you in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels! It presents a model of Bethlehem, where each of the inhabitants is busy with their daily duties. The nativity scene, which covers an area of about 30 sq. m., consists of over 150 elements, including about 50 moving figures.

The nativity scene is activated when there are no masses in the basilica, which is during the week: 6.30 - 7.00; 7.30 - 8.00; 8.30 - 9.00; 9.30 - 12.00; 12.30 - 16.30; 17.30 - 17.45, and on Sundays and holidays: 8.00 - 8.30; 9.30 - 10.00; 11.00 - 11.30; 12.30 - 13.30; 14.00 - 15.00; 16.00 - 17.00; 17.45 - 18.00.

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - walking along the Calvary paths

After visiting the monastery, it's worth going for a walk along the Calvary paths, also known as the Paths of Jesus or the Paths of the Virgin Mary. These routes cover several kilometers, and along the way, there are numerous historic smaller and larger chapels.

Here is a schematic layout of the paths and individual stops:

Trail to Góra Żar, Grodzisko Bugaj and the ruins of Barwałd Castle

While in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, it's worth going for an easy forest walk, conquering the top of Góra Żar, and visiting two interesting places: Grodzisko Bugaj and the ruins of Barwałd Castle, shrouded in an interesting history, a legend about bandits and the ghost of their leader: Katarzyna Skrzyńska "Włodkowa".

More about this trail and its attractions in this article:

Easy

directions_walk

Góra Żar, Bugaj settlement and Barwałd Castle in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

straighten 2.9km

timer 1h 23min

north_east 267m

south_east 89m

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Market Square and other attractions

While in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, it's also worth visiting the town's Market Square. Here you can find, among other things, the church of St. Joseph, as well as a green area with benches, cafes, and pastry shops.

In the Market Square in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, it's worth approaching the monument of the founder of the Calvary and the town, Mikołaj Zebrzydowski. At the foot of the monument, there is an interesting model of the city, which in a "plastic way" will help us understand the location of local attractions, including the neighboring castle on Góra Lanckorońska.

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Wojciech Weiss

Did you know that the famous Young Poland painter, Wojciech Weiss, was associated with Kalwaria Zebrzydowska? You can find many places here related to his private life (the artist's house in Calvary has been preserved) and his work (places and landscapes immortalized in his paintings).

More about the Calvary trail of Wojciech Weiss >>>

Visiting Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - practical information

A big plus of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is the easy access to the town. In addition to getting there by car, you can also reach it by bus or train. If you choose to travel by rail, you have two PKP stations to choose from: Kalwaria Zebrzydowska on the Kraków - Bielsko-Biała line and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Lanckorona on the Kraków - Sucha Beskidzka line.

Gastronomic facilities are located both on the monastery grounds (restaurant and cafe), and around the Market Square.

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Author: Marfusza
Publish Date: 2024-01-05