Kalwaria Pacławska – Sanctuary, Chapels and Trails

• The Franciscan sanctuary is a destination for pilgrims who come for liturgy, devotional trails and prayer before the miraculous image of Our Lady.
• The history of the place and the monastery dates back to 1660.
• From the observation tower, the view extends northeast across the Wiar Valley, local settlements, wooded hills and the border region. Access is seasonal and regulated under supervision.
• About half of the nature and history trail runs through the nature reserve. You may only walk on the designated trail there.

The sanctuary defines the religious character of Kalwaria Pacławska: pilgrimage occasions include liturgy, devotional trails and prayer before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Kalwaria. The monastery’s history began in 1660. After returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Andrzej Maksymilian Fredro decided to recreate in Poland places associated with the Passion of Christ. This makes it possible to explore the history of the place and the religious significance of its trails together.

Individual chapels also tell stories of different eras. The small, simple wooden Chapel of St Mary Magdalene’s Hermitage (Pustelnia św. Marii Magdaleny) has a shingle roof and stands on a hill where a rampart once stood; remnants of the earthworks are still visible there. The wooden Chapel of the Three Marys (Trzy Marie) dates from 1873 and was restored after 1945. Another wooden chapel, U Prokli, dates from 1863.

The Calvary chapel complex comprises 41 structures, mostly masonry but also including wooden ones. It also includes a wooden cross and three stone pillars. The village is also characterised by numerous timber-framed wooden houses with arcades. Some buildings in the Boyko style combine living and utility areas. These architectural forms add to the impression made by the chapels and sanctuary.

The Kalwaria Museum is dedicated to the origins and development of the place. Separate rooms are devoted to Fredro, the founder of Kalwaria Pacławska, and Szczepan Józef Dwernicki, who developed the place. The Museum of Our Lady collects memorabilia related to the miraculous image. Other sites open to visitors present the history of the sanctuary, devotion to Our Lady of Kalwaria and the Franciscans’ missionary presence. Check current opening hours before visiting a museum.

The observation tower offers a wide view to the northeast: you can see the Wiar Valley, surrounding settlements, wooded hills and the border region. As access is seasonal and supervised, check the current local arrangements before your visit.

Two routes are described in particular detail for planning a walk. The John Paul II Pilgrimage Trail leads from Przemyśl to the sanctuary in Kalwaria Pacławska. The Stations of the Cross trail begins at the U Piłata Chapel in Gradusy and leads through the forest over Calvary Hill to the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre. About half of the nature and history trail runs through the nature reserve; in this section, stay exclusively on the designated trail. When choosing a route, follow its designated course and check local route information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bolestraszyce, Hruszowice and Łodzinka Dolna.

What defines the Franciscan sanctuary?

It is a pilgrimage destination for liturgy, devotional trails and prayer before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Kalwaria.

What should you bear in mind when walking through the nature reserve?

About half of the nature and history trail runs through the protected area. You may only walk on the designated trail there.

Where does the Stations of the Cross trail lead?

It begins at the U Piłata Chapel in Gradusy and leads through the forest over Calvary Hill to the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre.

To the higher-level travel overview: Przemyski.