The Miraculous Painting in Czestochowa

Jasna Gora’s most valuable treasure is the miraculous painting of Our Lady. Because of this painting, Jasna Gora became Poland’s most famous sanctuary among the numerous sites to Marian devotion throughout the country. But it is not just the tradition, which considers Luke the Apostle as the artist, or the influence of monarchs to whom Jasna Gora has always been dear that made this place famous above all others. 

It is the Miraculous presence of the image which has always attracted pilgrims not only from all over Poland but from all over the world, as the numerous votive offerings show. The painting of Our Lady is the very core of Jasna Gora drawing crowds of pilgrims to it. This sanctuary was not built after a Marian apparition as is usually the case for major holy sites. Without the painting, Jasna Gora would be nothing but a building complex, a museum of artworks which are undoubtedly precious and beautiful but devoid of any vitality. The painting is the mystery, the fulcrum, the atmosphere of the Jasna Gora sanctuary. It was painted on a wood panel measuring 122.2 x 82.2 x 3.5 centimeters and features a bust of the Virgin with Jesus in her arms. Mary’s face dominates the painting and observers find themselves immersed in her eyes. They look at Mary, who looks back at them. The painting of the Virgin belongs to the group of Hodigitria icons “she who indicates and guides along the road”. The Jasna Gora icon represents the Biblical message and invites prayer and reflection.

Opening hours:
Mondays – Sundays – 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.