Places of worship in Europe
Jasna Gora
POLAND
Black Madonna
THE SANCTUARY
Every year, 4 to 5 million pilgrims from around the world visit Czestochowa, the fifth-largest pilgrimage site in the world. The most precious treasure of Jasna Góra is the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary – symbol of faith for the Poles. In 1655 the Swedish Army’s attack on Jasna Góra was considered a violation of religious sentiments and the victory was attributed not to the military capabilities of the soldiers or the resistance of the fortress but to the protection of the Mother of God herself, guardian of the place.
The tradition of pilgrimage to Czestochowa dates back to the 16th century and is still very popular. Every year thousands of pilgrims go to the shrine on foot. Kings, politicians, scholars and Pope John Paul II visited the monastery. During the German occupation and under the communist regime, the sanctuary of Jasna Góra was the symbol of freedom for the Poles.
During your visit to the monastery you can visit the basilica and the chapel of the Virgin Mary which contains the holy icon. You will also visit the Knights Hall and the arsenal.
