Sanctuary of Our Lady of Maków in Maków Podhalański

Above Maków Podhalański, a small town on the Skawa river in the Maków Beskids, rises the Church of the Transfiguration – the shrine of Our Lady of Maków, venerated as Guardian and Queen of Families. The main altar holds a 16th-century painting crowned by Pope John Paul II on 10 June 1979 during Mass on Kraków's Błonia meadows. The late Neoclassical church with its Baroque chancel makes a good stop on the road between Kraków and the Beskids.

History: the fourth church on the site

The present church is the fourth place of worship on this spot. From its predecessor it kept the masonry chancel and chapel of 1697–1701, braced by buttresses and showing Gothic-style details. A new masonry nave and facade were built in 1826–1828 after the wooden body was demolished, and the whole was consecrated in 1833 by Bishop Franciszek de Paula Pisztek of Tarnów. Tourist sources date the rebuilding to 1828–1833, i.e. from the start of work to the consecration.

The image of Our Lady has stood in the main altar since 1590. It was blessed in 1602, and church authorities confirmed it as miraculous in the 18th century. The painting is protected by a metal cover.

What to see

• The image of Our Lady of Maków in the main altar, crowned by John Paul II in 1979.
• The three-aisled hall interior – side aisles separated by arcades, with sail vaulting.
• A 17th-century Baroque crucifix in the side altar of the Confraternity of the Crown of Thorns, and a Neoclassical pulpit.
• The organ gallery resting on three arches, with a wooden Neoclassical balustrade from 1830.
• The clock tower with its cupola of 1891, housing two bells cast in 1547 and 1663.
• The facade with a broad projecting section crowned by a triangular pediment.

Tripto tips

The main church festivals fall on the Immaculate Conception (8 December) and the Transfiguration (the Sunday nearest 6 August) – these are the busiest days for pilgrims. The church is at ul. Kościelna 14, with free parking beside it. About 30 minutes is enough to see the interior; outside services keep quiet and do not enter the chancel. Photography is permitted.