Churches & monasteries

Shrine of Our Lady of Inwałd

The Shrine of Our Lady of Inwałd, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands on the road from Wadowice to Andrychów. The late-Baroque brick-and-stone church was built in 1747–1750 by foundation of Franciszek Szwarzenberg-Czerny. It combines architecture and local pilgrimage history with a family visit to the nearby miniature park.

From a wooden church to a shrine

The first wooden church in Inwałd was built in 1318 by foundation of the royal courtier Ligęza. It stood beside the new church until 1850; large lime trees now mark its former site. The masonry church was consecrated in 1756. Its single-aisle interior with two side apses is distinctive because no columns or pillars obstruct the view towards the altar.

The image of Our Lady of Inwałd

The high altar holds the venerated image of Our Lady of Inwałd with the Child. Regional material says that the image was painted in Scandinavia and brought to Poland in 1534; the story of brigands, a pond and a converted leader should be read as local legend. The altar is flanked by figures of St Joachim and St Anne, while the vault carries a 1928 polychrome by Karol Polityński.

Visiting and practical information

This is an active parish church. The parish lists Masses on Sundays and obligatory feasts at 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 and 18:00 (17:00 in a stated period), and on weekdays at 7:00 and 18:00 (sometimes 17:00). Visit outside services and check the current schedule before travelling. Allow 30–45 minutes for the church, chapels and grounds; the nearby miniature park makes it easy to plan a family day.