Travel Guide
Swieta Lipka
Swieta Lipka (the Holy Lime) is one of te most important shrines of the cult of Virgin Mary and most impressive example of the Baroque architecture in the northern Poland called „Częstochowa of the north” or „the pearl of the Baroque”.
The legend says that the Virgin Mary with the Child appeared to an imprisoner sentenced to the death in the Ketrzyn Castle and asked for their carving in a piece of the wood – the sculpture was so beautiful that people believed it was a sign of God's pardon. The imprisoner was set free and he hung the miraculous figure of the Virgin Mary on the linden tree at the site of the present sanctuary. Since the 14th century the sanctuary became a famous place of pilgrimage especially for the indulgence and in hope of the healing. Unfortunately during the Reformation the Catholic faith and the cult of the saints was banned in Prussia – the former chapel was destroyed, the lime tree cut and the statue was drowned in the Swirl Lake. The present Minor Basilica was built in 1687-93 for the Jesuits and its cloissters around the church and four corner chapels were added at the beginning of the 18th century. At the spot where the miracle happened is a linden tree with a silver figure of Our Lady. In the high altar there is a painting of Mother of the Christian Unity decorated with the papal crowns by the cardinal Stefan Wyszynski in 1968. The amazing Baroque organs with the moving figures were made by J. Mosengel in the 18th century and nowadays the organ recitals are held in the church. [Others]
Add your comment
Add your comment