Churches & monasteries

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows in Limanowa

Above the market square of Limanowa rises the monumental Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows, the principal shrine of the Beskid Wyspowy mountains. The church is an example of the native current in architecture, rooted in tradition, culture and patriotism. The facade features a sculpture of the Crucifixion and, below it, a coat-of-arms shield with the crowned Polish eagle.

A minor basilica

In 1991, on the 200th anniversary of the Constitution of 3 May, John Paul II elevated the church to the dignity of a minor basilica. Since then it has served as the spiritual centre of the town and region, drawing pilgrims from Lesser Poland and the surrounding mountain villages.

The linden-wood Pietà

In the main altar is venerated the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, known as the Lady of Limanowa. This 14th-century sculpture of the Pietà type shows Mary holding the tortured body of Jesus on her lap. The figure was carved from a single linden trunk and stands about 90 cm tall.

Coronation and stolen crowns

In 1966 the statue was crowned by Karol Wojtyła, Archbishop of Kraków and later pope. After the crown was stolen, a new coronation took place, confirming the status of one of the more important Marian shrines of Lesser Poland.

Practical information

The basilica stands by the market square in Limanowa, a county town in southern Lesser Poland. Access is convenient by road from Kraków or Nowy Sącz, and a visit combines well with a walk around the square and trips into the Beskid Wyspowy.