Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rokitno

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rokitno (pronounced "roh-KEET-noh") is the main Marian shrine of the Zielona Góra-Gorzów diocese and a Baroque basilica built between 1746 and 1762, declared a Polish Historic Monument in November 2024. Its high altar holds a miraculous painting of Our Lady the Patient Listener that draws pilgrims from across the region. If you are looking for things to do in western Poland, this is a quiet place that combines history, sacred art and a walk between lakes, about 150 km from Berlin.

Where is Rokitno?

Rokitno lies in the northern part of the Lubusz Voivodeship, roughly 35 km from Gorzów Wielkopolski, 70 km from Zielona Góra and 90 km from Poznań as the crow flies. Berlin is about 150 km west. The easiest way to get there is by car. The shrine's website has pages on directions and parking.

A short history

A parish probably existed here as early as the 12th century, and a first wooden church was built around 1333. In 1378 the village was given to the Cistercians, and from 1661 it belonged to the Cistercians of Bledzew. In 1669 the painting, famed for miracles, was moved from the Bledzew abbey to Rokitno. The old building was pulled down in 1746 and the present church was built, finished in 1762. The image was crowned with papal crowns in 1989, and the church became a minor basilica in the early 2000s. On 20 November 2024 the shrine was declared a Historic Monument.

What to see

The basilica has three aisles, with two square towers with caps at the entrance. The Baroque and Rococo interior includes sail vaults with 18th-century polychromes and Mannerist choir stalls from the mid-17th century that came from the Bledzew abbey church. The image on the high altar dates from the early 16th century, was painted in the Netherlandish school on lime wood and measures 40 by 27 cm. Beyond the basilica, you can walk the Rokitno Calvary: 32 stations along a 4.5 km path between Lake Lubikowskie and Lake Rokitniańskie. The stations were designed by Jolanta and Rafał Lisiak, and most of the sculptures are by Jacek Nowak.

How long to plan

Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the basilica and 90 minutes to two hours with the Calvary. The shrine is an active place of worship, so visit respectfully and do not take photos during Mass. Pilgrims are more numerous on indulgence days: 3 May, 18 June and the first Sundays of September and October. On the Friday before Palm Sunday worshippers walk the Calvary with torches.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

• Address: Rokitno 37, 66-340 Przytoczna.
• Contact: +48 95 737 63 77, sanktuariumrokitno@diecezjazg.pl.
• Mass and visiting hours: not confirmed; check the shrine's website.
• Tickets: no information on entrance fees to the basilica.

The grounds also hold a museum with a collection devoted to John Paul II. Whether information is available in English is not stated.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, for lovers of Baroque churches and quiet pilgrimage sites. It is not on the main tourist trail, but with the new Historic Monument status and a long walk through nature, it rewards a half-day detour from Gorzów Wielkopolski.