Churches & monasteries

Kalwaria Pacławska Calvary

On a hill above the Wiar valley, 24 km southwest of Przemyśl and a dozen or so kilometres from the Ukrainian border, lies Kalwaria Pacławska — a sanctuary sometimes called the Jasna Góra of the Subcarpathian region. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Poland.

Fredro's foundation and baroque of 1770–1775

The calvary was founded in the 17th century by Andrzej Maksymilian Fredro, who brought Franciscans to Pacław. The present church of the Finding of the Holy Cross and monastery buildings were raised in 1770–1775 in the baroque style. The heart of the sanctuary is the miraculous image of Our Lady of Kamianets-Podilskyi, kept here since 1679 and famous for graces.

Paths, chapels and the August indulgence feast

The hills around the monastery are crossed by calvary paths with chapels, along which the faithful walk the Stations of the Passion — a spatial layout typical of the great calvaries. During the August indulgence feast tens of thousands of pilgrims gather before the image, and for a few days the little town becomes the spiritual capital of the region. Nearby stand remarkable column houses, a rare type of old building.

In practice

Drive from Przemyśl via Krasiczyn (the castle there, 16.6 km from the calvary, is worth a stop). The Franciscan monastery is at Kalwaria Pacławska 40; the sanctuary grounds are free to enter and services are held daily. Allow 2–3 hours to see the church, the paths and the views over the Przemyśl Foothills.