Churches & monasteries

St John the Baptist Chapel in Zawoja Policzne

St John the Baptist Chapel in Zawoja Policzne, known as the Robbers’ Chapel, stands by the road towards Krowiarki Pass. It is a small masonry shrine from the late 18th century, surrounded by old lime trees regarded as nature monuments. This modest landmark makes a useful stop before heading further towards Babia Góra.

A stone shrine

The chapel was built from fieldstone and plastered. A shingled roof with an onion-shaped dome and lantern covers the building. Inside is a small folk-Baroque altar with a painting of the Baptism of Jesus. Its simple form fits naturally into the mountain landscape of Policzne.

Why it is called the Robbers’ Chapel

Local tradition says that robbers founded the shrine as a votive offering for their sins. The story refers to 18th-century robber bands active around Babia Góra, but it does not prove the identity of specific founders. Keep the legend separate from the documented fact that the chapel dates from the second half of the 18th century.

A practical stop

The chapel stands by the main road in Zawoja Policzne, near trails, parking areas and seasonal facilities. Interior access may be limited: there are no fixed sightseeing hours or museum services. Stop without obstructing the road, do not enter private land and protect the lime trees. Combine it with a walk through the Rybny Potok valley or an outing to Mosorny Groń.