Wambierzyce – the Silesian Jerusalem
Although the village of Wambierzyce itself doesn’t make a very big impression at first, we can find a few places here that make this place stand out. One of these attractions is the monumental calvary, thanks to which Wambierzye is known as the Silesian Jerusalem. Here, you will also find an attraction for young children!
The first calvaries were established in medieval Europe, on hills – just like in Jerusalem. For many years Christians have believed that when you pilgrimage to such places, which are substitutes for the Holy Land, you will get indulgence.The first wooden chapels were created here from the
initiative of Daniel von Osterberg, who was the owner of Wambierzyce at the time.
The entire calvary consists of around 100 chapels and 12 gates. It is definitely worth visiting this picturesque place while being in Wambierzyce.
The Sanctuary of the Queen of Families in Wambierzyce
Without any doubt, this is a breathtaking building. The best time to come here is the so-called „Golden time” – either sunrise or sunset. That’s when the sanctuary is illuminated with rays of sunshine. And it looks absolutely delightful. The sanctuary originated as a wooden chapel in 1263, and later transformed into an impressive, baroque-styled temple that we can admire today.
In 1936 the church received the title of a „Smaller Basilic”. For centuries this was the destination for passionate followers of the Marian Cult from surrounding regions: the Czech Republic, Morawy and Silesia.
The basilic in Wambierzyce by night.
The night-time illumination of the temple is a memorial after the miraculous event from 1676, when at sunset the church was supposed to be surrounded by an out of this world glare, whic would not go out for many hours. Today, 1390 light bulbs light up, which is most likely killing the local power station. In any case, there is something to look at, indeed.
Probably the greatest attraction of Wambierzyce, especially for children, is the moving Nativity Scene. It is the oldest moving Nativity Scene in Poland. Its first elements were created in 1850 by a watchmaker named Longinus Wittig. The works began because of the fact, that he was grieving his deceased wife. That was the way he wanted to ease the pain of his son Hermann and keep him bus with a new toy. In 1882 Longinus and his son Hermann movied to Wambierzyce and settled in a plaxce where toursits can admire the Nativity scene today.