Marcyporeba: Wooden Church, History and Routes

Marcyporeba lies on the northern side of the Pasmo Draboża range. The Church of St. Martin is one of two wooden churches in the municipality of Brzeźnica on the Wooden Architecture Route. Two indulgence celebrations are traditionally held in the parish: one in July for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and one in November in honour of St. Martin. Two routes are listed as 14 and 15 km long.

The Church of St. Martin was built in 1670 and consecrated in 1677. The two dates therefore mark different stages: construction and consecration. Inside are a Gothic crucifix from the 15th century and a Renaissance baptismal font from 1545. Both furnishings predate the church building. Those interested in sacred art can distinguish several periods here: the Gothic crucifix, the Renaissance baptismal font and the 17th-century church.

Below the church, on “Spod dzwonnicy” Street, there is also a wayside shrine from the 19th century. It is made of natural-coloured sandstone and features depictions of patron saints. The structure is badly damaged—an important factor in how it should be regarded today as a historic object.

In the northern part of Marcyporeba, in the hamlet of Podlesie, the ruins of a former fortification belonging to the Radwanites were discovered. The structure already existed before the 14th century. According to one historical interpretation, the fortification was intended to oversee a branch of the route along the Soła and Vistula rivers, which ran from Kraków to Silesia and the Moravian Gate. The local history thus links a fortification in Podlesie with a wider historic transport corridor.

The pilgrimage route to the shrine of Our Lady of Kalwaria is listed as 15 km long. It passes through Kopytówka, Marcyporeba and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. Another route is listed as 14 km long: it starts in Marcyporeba, passes over the western summit of Trawna Góra, through the Brodawka Valley and Moczarka, and then joins the yellow trail from Kalwaria Zebrzydowska to Wadowice. The listed lengths differ by one kilometre; the waypoints and destinations are different. Check the current routes before setting out.

If you would like to time your trip to coincide with one of the traditional indulgence celebrations, check the exact date in advance. A parking area is listed for the tourist waypoint; check whether it is currently available before driving there. This lets you consider the cultural highlights and practical arrangements for your trip separately, without assuming that either route or the parking area is currently available.

When was the Church of St. Martin built and consecrated?

It was built in 1670 and consecrated in 1677.

Which route is longer?

The pilgrimage route to the shrine of Our Lady of Kalwaria is listed as 15 km long; the route via Trawna Góra, the Brodawka Valley and Moczarka is listed as 14 km. Check the current route before setting out.

What is known about the fortification in Podlesie?

The ruins of a fortification belonging to the Radwanites were discovered there; it already existed before the 14th century. According to one historical interpretation, it was intended to oversee a branch of a route along the Soła and Vistula rivers.

For the main travel overview: Nowe Dwory.