Our Lady of Fatima Sanctuary at Krzeptówki

The Our Lady of Fatima Sanctuary at Krzeptówki (kshep-TOOF-kee) in Zakopane is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Tatra region and a church closely tied to Pope John Paul II. Local highlanders built it as a thank-offering after the Polish pope survived the 1981 assassination attempt, and he consecrated it himself. Even if you are not religious, it is worth a visit for its story and its striking mountain-style architecture.

Where it is

Zakopane lies in southern Poland, about 100 km (60 miles) south of Kraków, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains; buses and cars from Kraków take roughly two hours. The sanctuary is in the Krzeptówki district on the western side of town, about 2 km from Krupówki, the main pedestrian street, on the way to Kościelisko. The address is ul. Krzeptówki 14.

History: a vow for the pope's life

On May 13, 1981 — the anniversary of the Fatima apparitions — John Paul II was shot in St. Peter's Square. In Zakopane, worshippers praying before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima in a small chapel run by the Pallottine Fathers vowed to build a church of thanksgiving if he survived. The statue had been a gift from the Bishop of Fatima, passed on by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński.

The church was designed by architect Stanisław Tylka and built between 1987 and 1992, largely by local highlanders with donated funds. In October 1987 the pope crowned the Krzeptówki statue in Rome, and on June 7, 1997, during his sixth pilgrimage to Poland, he consecrated the finished sanctuary in person.

What to see

• The church — 25.5 m high, with a very steep roof, a slender tower and a stone base. Inside, white walls meet a wooden vaulted ceiling and wooden galleries; the crowned Fatima statue stands under a canopy in the main altar.
• Papal mementos — a bell donated by John Paul II; a rosary and his photo were set into the foundations.
• Fatima Park — the altar from the open-air Mass the pope celebrated below the Wielka Krokiew ski jump in 1997, a statue of John Paul II with Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz (2004), rosary chapels and Stations of the Cross.
• A replica of the iron cross from the summit of Giewont and a statue of the Angel of Peace with the three Fatima children.

Allow 45–60 minutes. A priest-led tour can be requested at the gatehouse.

Mass times and events

According to the sanctuary's website (as of October 2026), Sunday Masses are at 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 am and 5:00 and 7:00 pm; weekday Masses at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm (in Polish). From May to October, a Fatima vigil with a candlelight procession is held on the 13th of each month.

Practical information

• Admission: free. Church opening hours outside services are not published; visit around Mass times and keep quiet during services.
• Parking: a signposted lot for cars and coaches next to the sanctuary (fees not stated).
• Restrooms: at the back of the parking lot, 8 am–8 pm April–November, 8 am–5 pm December–April.
• Phone: +48 18 20 66 420.

Winter 2026/27

There are no Fatima vigils in winter, but services continue all year. Expect crowds at Christmas and during the Polish winter school break; the restrooms close earlier (5 pm).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you are interested in John Paul II, Polish Catholicism or Zakopane's history. Combine it with Wielka Krokiew, where the 1997 papal Mass took place.