Churches & monasteries

Grabarka

Holy Mount Grabarka, known as the Mount of Crosses, is Poland’s most important Orthodox sanctuary. It lies about 12 km east of Siemiatycze among the forests of Podlasie. Thousands of votive crosses brought by pilgrims cover the slopes. This is a place of prayer, not an ordinary attraction, so keep quiet and show respect.

A history rooted in 1710

Grabarka became famous in 1710, when people came with crosses and prayed for deliverance during a cholera epidemic. Tradition says the spring helped the sick. A wooden chapel was raised that year. The church burned down in 1990, and a new wooden church was consecrated in 1998. The account of miraculous deliverance belongs to pilgrimage tradition.

Crosses, church and monastery

The defining sight is the hillside covered with crosses of different sizes around the church. Pilgrims bring them as votive offerings and signs of prayer, a request or gratitude. The sanctuary is cared for by nuns of the Orthodox Convent of Saints Martha and Mary, established at Grabarka in 1947. A spring associated with the tradition lies at the foot of the hill.

Practical information

Grabarka receives pilgrims all year, with the largest celebrations on 18–19 August. Reach the sanctuary by road from Siemiatycze; check visitor rules, parking and the service programme before travelling. Keep quiet, follow the hosts’ instructions and avoid touching other people’s crosses. Combine the visit with other Orthodox sites in Podlasie.