Discover Czarnochowice

• Pope John Paul II consecrated the cornerstone for the new church building in 1983, and Cardinal Franciszek Macharski laid it in place in 1990.
• According to an inscription on its base, a stone wayside chapel near the church was restored in 1988.
• The Marian wayside shrine on a small hill dates from the second half of the 19th century and was restored in 2015.
• Czarnochowice is home to the “Ogród Hortensjowy” pocket park.

The history of the church in Czarnochowice is associated with two dates: Pope John Paul II consecrated the cornerstone for its new building in 1983; Cardinal Franciszek Macharski had it laid in 1990. Near the church stands a three-storey stone wayside chapel topped with a cross. Its niches contain figures of saints, including a polychrome figure of Saint John of Nepomuk. An inscription on the base gives 1988 as the year of its restoration.

The Marian wayside shrine on a small hill is a distinctive feature. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it is decorated with figures and reliefs bearing clear signs of local folk art. The shrine was restored in 2015. A stone Passion cross depicting the Crucifixion rises above it. Compared with the wayside chapel, the reliefs and the design of the crowning cross stand out in particular.

Czarnochowice has the “Ogród Hortensjowy” pocket park. The archaeological site Czarnochowice Site 1 is classified as a Neolithic settlement. House No. 68 dates from the second half of the 19th century.

In the wider destination of Wieliczka, the Salt Mine forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines.” The underground Miners’ Route includes 7 to 14 mining chambers around the oldest preserved Regis Shaft and is up to 2 kilometres long. Other options described include the yellow hiking and cycling trail between Wieliczka and Dobczyce, and a 27-kilometre red cycling loop through Wieliczka and Siercza.

There is a dated restriction for visits to Zamek Żupny: on September 8, 2026, the castle and its courtyard were closed for renovation work, which was expected to continue until the end of 2028. Check the current status before your trip. The information about Wieliczka complements Czarnochowice with separate destinations and routes in the wider destination.

First, consider which themes are most important for your trip: the buildings and artworks in Czarnochowice, or perhaps the Salt Mine and routes in the wider destination of Wieliczka.

Discover more destinations: Byszyce, Biskupice, Gdów, Podstolice, Przebieczany, Wieliczka, Jawczyce, Mała Wieś.

What was the history of the church’s construction in Czarnochowice?

Pope John Paul II consecrated the cornerstone for the new building in 1983. Cardinal Franciszek Macharski had the cornerstone laid in 1990.

How does the Marian wayside shrine differ from the wayside chapel?

The Marian wayside shrine stands on a small hill, dates from the second half of the 19th century, and bears figures and reliefs with features of local folk art. The three-storey stone wayside chapel stands near the church; its niches contain figures of saints, including a polychrome figure of Saint John of Nepomuk.

What other historical features are noted for Czarnochowice?

The archaeological site Czarnochowice Site 1 is designated as a Neolithic settlement. Wooden House No. 68 dates from the second half of the 19th century.

Which additional destinations are in the wider destination of Wieliczka?

These include the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the hiking and cycling routes described. For Zamek Żupny, note the dated closure information and check the current status before your trip.

Go to the wider travel overview: Wieliczka.