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Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Travel Guide

Travel to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Polish Passion Plays

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Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a small town situated at the foot of Mount Zar in a valley between two mountain ranges: the Beskid Makowski and the Wieliczka Foothills. It is also a breathtaking cultural landscape of great spiritual significance. It is here that a series of symbolic places of worship relating to the Passion of Jesus Christ and the life of the Virgin Mary were laid out at the beginning of the 17th century. It is still today a place of pilgrimage and has remained virtually unchanged over the years. It was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1999.

The town was founded in the beginning of the 17th century as a place where one could obtain indulgence. Its developement was hindered time after time by wars such as the Swedish deluge, Bar Confederation or Napoleon wars.

Attractions in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

The 17th century baroque church contains the famous miraculous picture of Our Lady of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. The so-called Calvary paths lined with shrines, chapels and small churches are picturesquely set up on hills and in the stream valley. The most important processions are held during Holy Week (Easter) and on Our Lady's Assumption Day. Travellers can also make a visit to nearby Wadowice or Lanckorona.