Churches & monasteries

Chapel on the Water in Ojców

The Chapel “On the Water” in Ojców is a wooden church dedicated to St Joseph the Worker, standing above the Prądnik River in the heart of Ojców National Park. Its position over the riverbed makes it a recognisable sight in the Prądnik Valley. The chapel was built in 1901 on the site of former spa baths.

Wooden architecture

The building has a cruciform plan and represents the Swiss-Ojców style that was popular in the spa resort around the turn of the 20th century. An openwork turret, wooden details and the surrounding forest create an intimate landmark visible from the road through the valley. Inside are three altars, including a 1901 painting of Our Lady of Help.

History and legend

The chapel was initiated by Stanisław Niedzielski, director of the Goplana hydropathic establishment. Spa guests needed a place of worship, and the position above the river became both an architectural and scenic solution. A popular story says that the location was chosen to bypass a Tsarist ban on building churches on Ojców land. Ojców National Park notes, however, that historical evidence does not confirm this version.

Visiting and planning a day

The chapel is open to visitors throughout the year, but hours can depend on the season and religious services. Check current information before entering and remain quiet inside. It pairs naturally with a walk through the Prądnik Valley, Ojców Castle ruins, the Kraków Gate or nearby caves. National-park protection rules apply, so leave your car in a designated parking area and use the marked visitor routes.