The Zebrzydowski family were responsible for the founding and funding of this sanctuary in 1602 when Nicholas Zebrzydowski gave the Chapel of the Crucifixion and surrounding lands to the Bernardine Fathers to build a monastery with a church and a chapel on the site. Between 1604 and 1609 at the foot of Mount Zar, building work on the monastery and church continued according to the designs of Italian architect and jesuit, Giovanni Maria Bernardoni with the assistance of Flemish architect and goldsmith, Paul Baudarth. In the newly constructed church the image of Our Lady of Calvary was placed, already credited earlier with miracles.

Nicholas Zebrzydowski also decided to fund the construction of the Stations of the Cross, modelled on old Jerusalem and the first in Poland. Today it has over 40 chapels spread over the entire area with names relating to the New Testament including the Tomb of Our Lady and Getsemane. The chapels are linked with well maintained alleyways with flowers from Spring onwards.

Some of the most important celebrations at the Calvary depict the Passion of Christ and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and are regarded as the greatest religious ceremonies in Poland. The largest of them are held during Passion Week bringing together nearly 100,000 pilgrims each year.

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Sancturay of Our Lady (woj. Malopolskie)

www.kalwaria.eu