Basilica of the Assumption in Stara Wieś

Right next to Brzozów stands a late-baroque basilica with twin towers that looks as if it had been moved from a big city. Built by the Pauline Fathers and run by the Jesuits since the 19th century, it is one of the most important Marian shrines of the old Sanok region. Its story also has a dark chapter: in 1968 its miraculous image burned in an arson attack that the Institute of National Remembrance later classified as a communist crime.

History

A parish existed in Stara Wieś by the mid-15th century. In 1728 Pauline monks from Jasna Góra arrived and in 1730–1760 built the present church and monastery; Bishop Wacław Hieronim Sierakowski of Przemyśl consecrated it on 2 July 1760. In 1784 Emperor Joseph II dissolved the monastery. In 1821 its buildings were given to the Jesuits, who opened a novitiate here in 1822. The towers were raised in 1843–1846, and new spires were added after a fire in 1886.

The miraculous painting of the Dormition and Assumption of Mary – according to legend found in a tree where the church was later built – was crowned on 8 September 1877. In 1927 Pius XI made the church a minor basilica. On 6 December 1968 the painting burned; in 2006 the Institute of National Remembrance confirmed that the communist secret police had set the fire, though the culprit was never identified. A copy painted by Maria Niedzielska was crowned in 1972 by Primate Stefan Wyszyński, and in 1978 Cardinal Karol Wojtyła led the centenary celebrations of the coronation – a month before he was elected pope.

What to see

• Twin-tower facade – the towers, raised in the 19th century, dominate the surroundings.
• Interior – a three-aisled basilica with a transept, pilasters topped with floral ornaments, and barrel and groin vaults.
• High altar – made of stone with six columns, artificial marble and stucco, framing the image of Our Lady of Stara Wieś.
• Side altars – four in each side aisle.

Interesting facts

Since the 18th century a walking pilgrimage from Tyczyn has arrived every September, and pilgrims from Humenné in Slovakia have been coming for more than five centuries. The main feasts – 15 August and 8 September – draw around 15,000 faithful.

Tripto tip

30–45 minutes is enough for the church and its surroundings. On feast days thousands of pilgrims come, so for a quiet visit choose an ordinary day outside Mass times. Stara Wieś lies in the Brzozów municipality, less than 5 km from Blizne with its UNESCO-listed wooden church, and Haczów is a short drive further – both are easy to add to the route.