Churches & monasteries

Basilica of the Annunciation in Czerwińsk nad Wisłą

The Basilica of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Czerwińsk nad Wisłą is the Romanesque church of a former monastery of Canons Regular above the Vistula. Consecrated in 1161, it combines granite walls, two western towers and remains of medieval paintings in one of Poland’s most important Romanesque complexes.

An abbey above the Vistula

Construction of the monastery began around 1150, founded by Alexander of Malonne, bishop of Płock, together with Dukes Bolesław the Curly and Henry of Sandomierz. The church was built from local dressed granite. In 1410 Władysław Jagiełło stopped at the Vistula crossing on his way to Grunwald.

Romanesque frescoes and the Marian image

The southern part of the church preserves a valuable group of 13th-century Romanesque paintings, including scenes from the story of Noah. The building also bears traces of the fire of 1328, later Gothic alterations and early-modern changes. The high altar contains a late-Renaissance structure from around 1630 and the image of Our Lady of Czerwińsk, painted by Łukasz of Łowicz in 1612. The image was declared miraculous in 1648, and the church received the title of minor basilica in 1968.

Visiting and planning your stop

This is an active shrine. Visitor information says that the basilica is open for sightseeing after prior notification by phone or email. Arrange access before travelling, especially if you want to see the frescoes. The address is 23 Klasztorna Street, 09-150 Czerwińsk nad Wisłą. Allow 60–90 minutes for the basilica, monastery grounds and a walk along the bluff.