Churches & monasteries

Franciscan Monastery on St Annes Hill

St Anne’s Hill rises to 408 m above sea level and is one of the Opole region’s most important pilgrimage and historic sites. A Franciscan basilica and the shrine of St Anne stand on the summit, while 40 Calvary chapels spread across the slopes. The hill combines religion, geology and the memory of the Third Silesian Uprising, so allow more time than a quick church visit.

Shrine and Calvary

The monastery and church date back to the late 15th century, and from the 18th century St Anne’s Hill has been an important pilgrimage destination. The Calvary chapels were built in 1700–1709 on the eastern and southern slopes. The shrine venerates a 15th-century wooden figure of St Anne Selbdritt. Beside the monastery is Paradise Square, an arcaded courtyard with a group of confessionals.

Volcano, reserve and uprising history

The hill is the remnant of a nephelinite volcanic neck, active about 27 million years ago. A nature reserve occupies a former quarry on the southern slope and has an educational trail. The hill also commemorates the Third Silesian Uprising in 1921; the amphitheatre and Xawery Dunikowski’s monument are key memorial sites. The area is recognised as a geopark.

Practical information

Access to the basilica, monastery and chapels depends on services and pilgrimage events. Check the shrine’s website for current Mass times, entry rules and Calvary routes. Wear sturdy shoes for the chapel walk, as some approaches are uneven. Combine the visit with the reserve, amphitheatre and other sights of St Anne’s Hill Landscape Park.