Kodeń: Pilgrimage, History and Experiences on the Bug

• Kodeń is located on the Bug.
• The annual indulgence at the sanctuary begins on August 14 and reaches its peak on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
• The Green Velo – Eastern Cycling Route runs through Kodeń. The section in the Lubelskie Voivodeship is about 351 km long.

The Marian Shrine in Kodeń has attracted pilgrims from all over Poland for centuries. One important date is the annual indulgence: it begins on August 14 and reaches its peak the following day, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Thousands of pilgrims take part. If you would like to plan your visit around this occasion, you can choose between attending the opening day and the main day.

Organized groups visiting the sanctuary must register at the monastery gate. Coordinate current group arrangements directly with the sanctuary. Groups of visitors can also book a secular guide who leads them around the Kalwaria grounds and to the ruins of Sapieha Castle.

The parish church of św. Anny was built between 1629 and 1635 in the late Renaissance style. Together with the Orthodox church, it recalls the area's multicultural history. The historic Brama Unicka gate is located on ul. Sławatycka.

The Church of Ducha Świętego is also connected with the Kalwaria Kodeńska: its chapel is part of the Stations of the Cross. The stations run along restored ramparts surrounding the church and the former castle. The church houses the revered crucifix “Ukrzyżowany Uśmiechnięty.” It depicts Christ with a cheerful, smiling face.

The foundations, 17th-century earthworks, and an arsenal dating from the 16th–17th centuries remain from Sapieha Castle. Another historic site is the cemetery chapel of św. Wawrzyńca. It was built between 1683 and 1685 through the efforts of Kazimierz Władysław Sapieha. Together, these places offer different ways to explore Kodeń's religious and architectural history, from churches and the Stations of the Cross to castle remains.

The Marian Herb Garden is laid out as a labyrinth in the shape of unfurling rose petals. This design is intended to evoke the rosary and highlight Kodeń's character as a Marian pilgrimage site. A main fountain and four smaller fountains complete the grounds; they depict fundamental truths of the faith in the form of books.

Visitors can sample or buy fresh and dried herbs and drink herbal tea. If you plan to make use of these offerings, check current opening times and availability beforehand. The garden combines distinctive design with a specific range of herbal products, without requiring a longer excursion.

From the harbor landing, visitors can cross the Rozlewisko Genezaret on pedal boats and head out onto the reservoir. Check current dates with the operator if you are planning a trip. Next to the Rozlewisko, at the edge of the forest, there is a grotto with Our Lady of Fatima. Paweł Sapieha Harbor is a place for relaxation and invites visitors to fish.

Activities offered in Kodeń also include kayaking, cycling and hiking trails along the Bug, and relaxation by the river. This means that water-based activities are complemented by routes along the riverbank. Which one suits your stay depends on whether you would rather paddle, take a pedal boat, or explore the area on foot or by bike.

The Green Velo – Eastern Cycling Route also runs through Kodeń. The section in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, about 351 km long, passes through Janów Podlaski, Kostomłoty, Kodeń, Jabłeczna, Sławatycze, Włodawa, Wola Uhruska, Chełm, Krasnystaw, Szczebrzeszyn, Zwierzyniec, Roztoczański National Park, Józefów, and Susiec, among other places. The stated distance refers to the regional section. Check current route information before planning your stages.

Discover more destinations: Leśna Podlaska, Sławatycze, Janów Podlaski, Horbów, Biała Podlaska, Grabanów, Gnojno, Terespol.

When is the indulgence in Kodeń?

The annual indulgence begins on August 14 and reaches its peak on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Thousands of pilgrims take part.

What do organized groups need to do when visiting the sanctuary?

Organized groups visiting the sanctuary should register at the monastery gate. Confirm current group arrangements directly with the sanctuary.

What activities are available on the water?

Pedal boat trips from the harbor landing cross the Rozlewisko Genezaret and continue onto the reservoir. Other activities mentioned include kayaking and relaxation on the Bug.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bialski.