The first week in Poland flew by with family visits and cozy moments indoors at my aunt’s house. After several gloomy days, we were finally blessed with sunshine, though the weather was still quite cold. I had already booked an afternoon tour at a salt mine, but with some time to spare in the morning, we decided to explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń.
Back in Taiwan, my husband watched a video about the world’s largest churches, and this basilica was listed among the top ten. There was another, even larger, church within a four-hour drive, but it feels a bit far to go during winter season, so we settled on visiting the Basilica of Licheń. It has an area of 30,000 square metres and can accommodate up to 18,000 worshippers.
When we arrived after an hour-long drive, we found a spacious parking area in front of the basilica, making it very convenient for visitors. As it was still cold, there were barely any people around. I imagine the scene would be quite different during the summer season!
The basilica is free to visit, though guided tours are available. These tours, lasting between one to three hours, are offered in Polish and English. Prices range from 200 to 450 PLN for Polish tours and 300 to 600 PLN for English tours. Personally, I feel that a tour isn’t necessary since walking around and exploring on your own provides a fulfilling experience. However, if you’re interested in a more detailed exploration, the guided tours might be a good option.
The Basilica, located in the village of Licheń Stary, is one of the largest and tallest Catholic churches in the world. Its origins date back to 1813, when a Polish soldier, Tomasz Kłossowski, had a vision of the Virgin Mary during the Napoleonic Wars. She appeared adorned in a golden crown and a red gown, holding a white eagle—a symbol of Poland. She promised Tomasz recovery and tasked him with commissioning an image of her for public devotion. This icon, known as Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, now resides on the basilica’s main altar.
Designed by the Polish architect Barbara Bielecka, the basilica was constructed between 1994 and 2004, funded entirely by pilgrims’ donations. The nave stretches 120 meters long and 77 meters wide, while the central dome rises 98 meters high. The iconic tower, standing 141.5 meters tall, is a remarkable feature of the structure.
The tower has 762 steps leading to the top. Visitors can either climb the stairs for 2 PLN or take an elevator ride for 5 PLN. Unfortunately, the tower was closed during winter, so we couldn’t experience the view from above.
At first, we thought the church itself might also be closed since some areas were roped off with signs prohibiting entry. However, there are many doors leading inside, and after seeing others enter, we followed. The interior is incredibly spacious and beautifully designed.
The basilica also houses Poland’s largest pipe organ, featuring 157 stops, six manuals, and a pedalboard. Built between 2002 and 2007, it ranks as the 4th largest organ in Europe and the 13th worldwide.
We stayed for a short while, just long enough to witness the start of a Mass, before leaving quietly.
Outside, the grounds were serene but freezing. The shaded areas were still icy, making the ground slippery—I almost fell near a pond but managed to catch myself in time! Despite the cold, the peaceful atmosphere made the visit worthwhile.
Blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1999, the Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and Polish heritage. It’s a place of worship, a cultural treasure, and a source of inspiration for countless visitors.
After our visit, we headed to our next destination: the salt mine in Kłodawa, another fantastic place to explore.
0 komentarze:
Post a Comment