Welcome to our travel blog! Today, we’re taking you to a unique place on the map of Poland – Licheń Stary in Wielkopolska. It is not only an important centre of Marian devotion but also a fascinating story of faith, history, and human determination. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland in Licheń Stary, located in the eastern part of the region, in the Ślesin municipality, Konin county, within the parish of Saint Dorothy belonging to the Włocławek diocese, attracts crowds of pilgrims every year.

Regardless of whether you are seeking spiritual reflection, interested in architecture, or simply want to discover a piece of Polish history, Licheń has a lot to offer you. Let’s explore this extraordinary place and its history together, a history which goes much deeper than just the construction of the monumental basilica, which is the heart of this complex. We’ll take a closer look at the miraculous image, the accounts of Marian apparitions, and, why not, the controversies surrounding this impressive building. Licheń is a phenomenon worth exploring, and we’ll try to present it to you in an honest and interesting way, showing why it is a special place for so many.

The Miraculous Image and Apparitions – The Sanctuary’s Beginnings

The history of the sanctuary in Licheń Stary is inextricably linked to the Marian apparitions which took place in the 19th century. These events gave rise to the growing devotion and consequently, as is often the case, led to the creation of one of Poland’s most important pilgrimage centres. It all began with a small image and two simple witnesses – a soldier and a shepherd, whose encounters with the Mother of God changed the fate of this small village. At least, that’s what tradition holds.

The History of the Image of Our Lady of Licheń: From Legend to Devotion

The central point of devotion in Licheń is the image of Our Lady of Licheń. Its history dates back to 1813, during the Napoleonic era. Tomasz Kłossowski, a blacksmith and soldier, a participant in the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig, then experienced an apparition of the Mother of God, who appeared to him crowned and with a white eagle on her breast. Mary instructed him to find Her image, which, as it turned out, was not simple at all.

Upon returning to his native Izabelin, Tomasz Kłossowski searched for many years for an image matching the vision. He finally found it in 1836 in a small chapel in Lgota, near Częstochowa. He moved it to the Grąblin forest, where he hung it on a pine tree. This small image, painted on a larch wood panel at the end of the 18th century, soon became a place of prayer for the people who came across it. The White Eagle on Mary’s breast was a powerful symbol for Poles during the Partitions, which, as you can imagine, seemed very suspicious to the Tsarist authorities.

The Licheń Apparitions: Accounts and Their Impact on the Sanctuary’s Development

Further apparitions, crucial for the sanctuary’s development, took place between 1850 and 1852. The witness to these was Mikołaj Sikatka, a simple shepherd from a nearby village. The Mother of God appeared to him beneath the image hanging in the Grąblin forest. She conveyed a call for prayer, conversion, and penance, and also warned of an approaching epidemic. Can this be considered a coincidence? It’s hard to say.

When an epidemic, including a cholera outbreak, soon gripped the surrounding villages, the inhabitants remembered the shepherd’s words. They began to gather and pray before the image in the forest. Experiencing numerous healings and graces, they became convinced of the truth of the apparitions. A bishop’s commission decided to move the image to a more fitting place – to the parish church in Licheń in 1852.

These events form the basis of the Sanctuary in Licheń. The shepherd’s words, such as the prophecy about the healing of seminarian Stefan Wyszyński, were confirmed, strengthening faith and attracting more and more pilgrims. It’s truly fascinating how a simple testimony can change the course of a place’s history.

The Licheń Basilica: Architecture, Symbolism, and Impressive Facts

Today’s Sanctuary in Licheń Stary is primarily associated with the monumental basilica. This gigantic sacred building inspires awe with its scale and impressive dimensions, but also, let’s be honest, sometimes aesthetic controversy. However, it is undeniably the heart of the Licheń complex and a place where spatial experiences intertwine with deep religious symbolism.

The Licheń Basilica: A Gigantic Structure, Its Design and Construction

The Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń is the largest church in Poland, located within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland in Licheń Stary, in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, near Konin. This building was erected to commemorate the apparitions of 1813 and 1850–1852, witnessed by Tomasz Kłossowski and Mikołaj Sikatka.

The five-aisled basilica is built on a Latin cross plan. It was designed by Barbara Bielecka, and its constructors were Ryszard Wojdak and Marek Kin. Construction work began in 1993. It’s worth mentioning that the estimated cost of this construction was enormous, and between 1994–2004, through the efforts of Father Custodian Eugeniusz Makulski MIC, this impressive structure was built.

The Polish Episcopate decided that this temple would be recognised as a votive offering of the Catholic Church for the Great Jubilee of the Nativity of Christ. The consecration of the basilica was an important event. It can accommodate 10,000 people inside. You often ask how many places are available in the square in front of the basilica – up to 250,000 people can fit there! That’s a scale that truly makes a huge impression on visitors, showing the sheer size of this place, although, as a guide I know says, „sometimes less is more”. Construction was officially completed in 2004.

The Symbolism of Numbers in the Basilica: 33 Steps, 365 Windows, 52 Doors, and 12 Columns – A Coincidence?

The architecture of the Licheń basilica is full of symbolism which refers to the events of salvation and the liturgical calendar. Entering the interior, we ascend 33 steps leading into the church, symbolising the years of Christ’s life on earth. Within the temple itself, you will find 365 windows, symbolising the number of days in a year, and 52 doorways, symbolising the number of weeks in a year.

The monumental vault is supported by 12 columns, which in turn symbolise the twelve apostles. Even the construction materials have their significance – the windows are filled with golden-amber tinted glass, and anodised gold-coloured aluminium was used in the metalwork and the decorative dome shell. The basilica’s dome is 25 metres in diameter and 45 metres high, and is covered on the outside with anodised aluminium tiles. Reinforced concrete was used in the colonnade and pillars supporting the dome, and steel in the decorative silver-gold shell. These numbers are not accidental; they are meant to remind pilgrims of the passage of time and God’s eternal plan. It’s an interesting way to weave theology into architecture, isn’t it?

The Organ Complex and Other Musical Attractions at the Sanctuary

The Licheń basilica is not only impressive architecture but also a place where sacred music gains exceptional depth. The organ complex located here is a true masterpiece, and the Licheń sanctuary often becomes an arena for solemn concerts and musical events.

Poland’s Largest Organ: Description and Construction of an Instrument That Takes Your Breath Away

The Licheń basilica houses Poland’s largest organ complex. It consists of a total of five instruments, having a total of 12,323 pipes! The largest pipe is a staggering 10 metres high. The main organ has 81 stops, 4 manuals, and a pedalboard. The West organ has 52 stops, 2 manuals, and a pedalboard.

The East organ has 8 stops and 1 manual. The West chancel positive has 7 stops and a Nachtigall (Nightingale) stop, and 1 manual, while the East chancel positive has 8 stops and 1 manual. The design of the organ’s disposition was developed by Professor Andrzej Chorosiński from Warsaw. These organs, built by a Polish organ-building company from Wołomin, are a true colossus, whose sound fills the entire space of the basilica, amplifying the experience during liturgy and concerts (and sometimes making the walls tremble, especially during a full chord!).

Music at the Sanctuary: Concerts, Events, and an Atmosphere That Moves You

Music plays an important role in the life of the Sanctuary in Licheń. Besides the daily musical accompaniment for Holy Mass, the basilica regularly hosts organ and choral concerts. The acoustics of the powerful temple ensure that the sound resonates with extraordinary power and beauty. Within the organ complex, different sections of instruments function, allowing for the performance of a wide repertoire of sacred music.

It’s worth checking the sanctuary’s events calendar to catch one of these exceptional concerts. Music in the Licheń basilica is an element that adds splendour to the liturgy and allows the faithful to experience their faith even more deeply. Although, admittedly, the sheer size of the interior can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.

Places and Features Within the Sanctuary Complex Worth Seeing

The Sanctuary in Licheń Stary is much more than just the impressive basilica. Its grounds contain an entire complex of buildings and places with various purposes – from those serving pilgrims to places of prayer, reflection, and commemoration of important events and figures.

The Papal House and Other Important Buildings on the Sanctuary Grounds

On the sanctuary grounds is the Papal House, a building associated with Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1999. This is where the Holy Father stayed overnight. The construction of a pilgrim house where such an distinguished guest could stay overnight appropriately was one of the logistical challenges associated with the planned papal visit, of which local authorities were also aware.

Besides the Papal House, the complex includes a number of other facilities serving pilgrims and those in need. These include the Licheń Centre for Family and Addicts Support, the Blessed Stanisław Papczyński Hospice, the Marian Formation Centre “Salvatoris Mater”, and the Youth and Vocations Ministry. These institutions demonstrate the broad scope of the sanctuary’s activities, extending beyond strictly religious worship.

There is also a bell tower with three bells, and one of them, the Mary Mother of God Bell, is the largest in Poland and seventh in Europe, cast in a bell foundry near Milan. There is also a tower measuring 141.5 metres in height with two observation decks at heights of 98 and 114 metres, from which there is a view extending up to 35 kilometres, offering a panorama of the Licheń surroundings.

Golgotha, the Holy Trinity Chapel, and Other Places of Prayer and Reflection

Within the sanctuary complex, you will find many places conducive to prayer and reflection. One of the most characteristic is Golgotha – a complex of stone mounds and grottoes, symbolising the Way of the Cross of Christ. The construction of Golgotha, which is difficult to access for people in wheelchairs (posing a certain inconvenience), was intended as a form of expiation for the destruction of the cross by Berta Bauer, a Hitler Youth instructor, who was travelling to the railway station in Konin and shot holes in the cross. Pilgrims from all over Poland brought stones for the construction of Golgotha.

The original of the destroyed cross is located in the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the crypt of the Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Licheń. Another important chapel is the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which is the oldest chapel in the church, put into use in June 1996. It’s also worth visiting the Chapel of the 108 Blessed Martyrs, featuring an image of the Lord Jesus among the martyrs.

These individuals were murdered during World War II and beatified in Warsaw on 13 June 1999 during Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage to Poland. This chapel was consecrated on 9 June 2001 by the Bishop of Włocławek, Bronisław Dembowski. It contains urns with soil from the places of martyrdom of Poles. It is an incredibly moving place.

The complex also includes the Angel Fountain, the Grąblin Wood with a chapel located there, as well as the Father Józef Jarzębowski Museum, which we will tell you more about later.

Remember that the Image of Our Lady of Licheń was located in the Church of Saint Dorothy in Licheń before it was moved to the new Basilica in 2006. It’s also worth visiting the first parish dedicated to Saint Dorothy in Licheń, which was founded in the 14th century. There was a wooden church there; a brick church was built in 1728, demolished in 1800, and a new one built in 1815. Licheń passed into the hands of the Kwilecki family, who deemed the existing church too small.

Licheń Today: Pilgrimages, Tourism, and Religious Life

Contemporary Licheń Stary is a dynamic centre that combines the functions of a pilgrimage site with a tourist offering. Around 1.5 million pilgrims visit the Sanctuary in Licheń every year, making it one of the largest sanctuaries in Poland, comparable in terms of visitor numbers to Jasna Góra. That’s truly an impressive number.

Licheń as a Pilgrimage Destination: Organisation, Events, and Traditions

Licheń is primarily a destination for pilgrims coming to the sanctuary. Pilgrims make their way on foot to the Mother of God, often as part of organised groups. Holy Mass is celebrated daily at various times, and for those who cannot come in person, a live broadcast is available, and even online Mass (although, as you know, it’s not the same as being there physically). The sanctuary also offers the possibility of requesting Mass intentions.

Numerous religious events, indulgence ceremonies, retreats, and days of recollection take place in Licheń. You can also check the current parish announcements. Religious life is very intense, and the faithful come to their ‘Little Mother’ to implore graces, give thanks, and find peace of soul. And that is probably the essence of this place.

Tourism in Licheń: Attractions for Tourists and Visitors

Aside from the religious aspect, Licheń also offers attractions for tourists and visitors. The gigantic Licheń basilica is itself a fascinating architectural object that can be visited. From the observation decks on the tower, an impressive panorama of the Licheń area unfolds.

Within the complex grounds, you will find the aforementioned Golgotha, which is not only a place of prayer but also an extraordinary construction. There is also the Father Józef Jarzębowski Museum with interesting exhibits (more on that in a moment, patience!). A large car and coach park is available, which, to be fair, is a significant convenience.

Visiting the sanctuary and its history can be planned using available maps and information, choosing an optimal touring route. Although the main destination for pilgrims is the basilica in Licheń, the entire complex is an interesting travel destination for anyone who, say for instance, is interested in sacred architecture or simply likes places with a rich history. You will also find extensive accommodation options here, allowing for a comfortable stay. Information about accommodation and contact details for the sanctuary can be found on the official website. Before arriving, it’s worth checking the exact address and opening hours.

Controversies Surrounding the Sanctuary – What’s Worth Knowing?

Licheń, particularly its monumental basilica, evokes extreme emotions and is sometimes the subject of heated debate. It is a kind of cultural and social phenomenon that is worth considering from different perspectives. Is it good or bad? As in life, opinions are divided.

Criticism of the Basilica’s Architecture: Opinions of Architects and Discussion

The architecture of the Licheń basilica has become an object of criticism from many architects and art historians. Some have spoken critically, considering the building the epitome of kitsch and tackiness. Art historian and former Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Małgorzata Omilanowska, described the temple’s architecture as „an example of kitsch and tackiness”.

The scale, opulence, and style of the basilica depart from the traditional understanding of sacred architecture in Poland, which for many, looking at historical patterns, is a problem. The discussion concerns, among other things, whether such a massive and costly structure is an appropriate expression of faith and whether it doesn’t overshadow the modest, miraculous image of the Mother of God housed within it. Does the tiny image get lost in the basilica’s vastness? These are questions that, I feel, remain open in public debate.

Licheń as a Cultural and Social Phenomenon: Different Perspectives

Despite the criticism, Licheń is undoubtedly an important cultural and social phenomenon. For millions of the faithful, it is a sacred place, a source of comfort and hope. They come here to pray before the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland. The sanctuary plays an important role in their religious and spiritual lives.

On the other hand, Licheń has also become an object of interest for tourists and researchers of social phenomena. Its dynamic development, the enormous scale of the undertaking, and the architectural controversies make it a unique example in the history of Polish religiosity and mass culture. It is worth looking at Licheń from different perspectives, trying to understand its complexity – as a place of deep faith for some, and an object of criticism, for others, it must be said.

The History of Licheń: From Antiquity to the Present Day

The history of Licheń Stary itself, this small village in eastern Wielkopolska, goes much deeper than just the apparitions and the construction of the sanctuary. It is a history connected with the history of Poland, a testimony to different eras and events that shaped this place. Perhaps surprisingly, these are really ancient lands.

Traces of History in Licheń: The Amber Road and Pagan Remains

Licheń has a truly long history, evidenced by archaeological finds dating back even to the Stone Age. During the reign of the Roman Empire, an important Amber Road led precisely through Licheń, connecting the north of Europe with the south. This shows that even in ancient times, it was a place of some significance.

According to legend, a pagan temple was located by the Licheń lake. The name of the village Licheń is said to come from a Slavic evil spirit, personified as an old, ugly woman with one eye, who supposedly wandered from village to village, searching for happy, prosperous people, bringing them fires and other disasters at night – „licho nie śpi”. Although it’s just a legend, it adds a touch of mystery to the place, don’t you think?

The Development of Licheń from a Village to a Pilgrimage Centre

Since ancient times, Licheń was a small village. The first parish dedicated to Saint Dorothy was established here in the 14th century, founded by Bishop Andrzej Łaskarz. Over the centuries, Licheń changed hands, belonging, among others, to Count Łącki, and later to the Kwilecki family. The village experienced difficult times, such as the invasion of Licheń by the Swedes in the 17th century.

Izabela Kwilecka, a member of the family, planned the construction of a church. The breakthrough, of course, came with the Marian apparitions in the 19th century and the transfer of the image of Our Lady of Licheń to the parish church in 1852. After the end of World War II, during which a Hitler Youth camp was set up in the sanctuary (what a terrible contrast with the place’s purpose!), the Marian Fathers arrived at the ruined sanctuary; they have been taking care of this place to this day.

The dynamic development of the sanctuary began when Father Eugeniusz Makulski was appointed its custodian. Licheń began to be called New Częstochowa or the Częstochowa of the North. The transfer of the image of the Mother of God to the new basilica in 2006 was a symbolic closing of a certain stage in the history of this place. Looking at its scale, it’s hard to believe that it started as a humble village.

People Associated with Licheń – Figures Who Shaped Its History

The history of the Sanctuary in Licheń Stary is not only about apparitions and architecture, but above all, about people – those who witnessed the miraculous events, those who built and developed the sanctuary, as well as those who in various ways left their mark on its history.

Father Eugeniusz Makulski and Other Creators of the Sanctuary

One of the key figures in the recent history of Licheń is Father Eugeniusz Makulski MIC. It was through the efforts of Father Custodian Eugeniusz Makulski MIC that the monumental basilica was built between 1994 and 2004. He was entrusted with preparing the relevant documentation for the coronation of the image of Our Lady of Licheń, which took place on the occasion of the Millennium of the Baptism of Poland.

Father Eugeniusz Makulski pursued his vision of building the sanctuary with extraordinary energy. As, let’s call him, a master of marketing, he secured donations for the construction flowing from donors worldwide. To honour the benefactors, almost all the walls in the lower church were covered with marble plaques bearing the names of the donors. His determination and commitment ensured that Licheń developed into a powerful pilgrimage centre, although the method of honouring donors, for some, might be a little… debatable.

Currently, the function of the sanctuary’s custodian is held by Janusz Kumala MIC, who assumed the role on 25 August 2018. Previously, Wiktor Gumienny MIC was the custodian. The current parish priest is Rafał Krauze MIC, and the previous one was Henryk Kulik MIC. It is the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Virgin Mary (MIC) that serves in the basilica and the entire sanctuary, caring for this place since 1948, when the Marians arrived in Licheń to assess the state of the sanctuary.

Notable Figures Associated with the History of Licheń

Apart from the creators of the contemporary sanctuary, other important figures have left their mark on the history of Licheń. Of course, the key figures are the witnesses to the apparitions – Tomasz Kłossowski and Mikołaj Sikatka. Their faith and testimony gave impetus to the development of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland. Piotr Dunin erected a cross here, and Bishop Andrzej Łaskarz founded the first parish.

An important figure was Archbishop Józef Kowalski, the papal nuncio, who consecrated the site for the new temple. One cannot forget Pope John Paul II, who visited Licheń in 1999. Boating enthusiasts decided to sail by lakes to Licheń specifically to meet the Pope. His presence was a great honour and confirmation of the significance of this place.

Even figures who acted against the sanctuary, such as Berta Bauer, the Hitler Youth instructor who destroyed the cross, are part of this history, and her act became the reason for the creation of Golgotha as a place of expiation. Licheń is thus a mosaic of the histories of many people whose paths intertwined with this extraordinary place.

The Museum and Its Exhibits – Something for History Enthusiasts

Within the grounds of the sanctuary complex in Licheń Stary is also the Father Józef Jarzębowski Museum, which offers an interesting addition to a visit, allowing you to delve into the history and culture associated not only with the sanctuary but also with Polish history. Sometimes it’s worth venturing off the main path.

The Museum in Licheń: History, Collection, and Offerings

The Father Józef Jarzębowski Museum from Fawley Court is located within the basilica. Its history dates back to Father Józef Jarzębowski, a Marian, who collected national and ecclesiastical memorabilia, saving them from destruction, especially during World War II. The collection was originally gathered at Fawley Court in England, and after years, it returned to Poland and came to Licheń.

The museum presents a wealth of collections, including items related to the history of Poland, the Church, and the Congregation of Marian Fathers. The museum’s offerings are aimed at both pilgrims and tourists interested in history. Isn’t it wonderful that these collections could be saved and made accessible?

The Most Interesting Exhibits at the Licheń Museum

Among the numerous exhibits at the Licheń Museum, you will find true gems. You can see unique historical artefacts, for instance, the spectacles of Romuald Traugutt – one of the leaders of the January Uprising. Another incredibly moving item is the ring from General Józef Haller’s ‘Wedding to the Sea’, symbolically linked to Poland regaining access to the Baltic Sea after World War I.

In a display case, there are relics and mementoes of John Paul II, including the chalice and chasuble he used during the Holy Mass he celebrated in 1999 in Licheń. You can see the papal throne on which the Holy Father sat during that memorable visit. The museum also houses a 1:1 scale copy of the Shroud of Turin, which inspires deep reflection. By visiting the museum, you have the opportunity to touch history and better understand the context of the sanctuary’s creation and development – that, in my opinion, is how a true museum works.

Licheń – Faith, History, and the Present Day in One Place

Licheń Stary is a place with an incredibly rich and complex history, where faith intertwines with the history of Poland and contemporary times. From ancient trade routes, through Marian apparitions, the construction of a monumental basilica, right up to its role as a pilgrimage and social centre – Licheń is constantly changing and developing.

It is a place which for some is a destination for deep, spiritual experiences, while for others it is a fascinating architectural and cultural object. Regardless of your motivation, a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland in Licheń Stary leaves an indelible impression.

We encourage you to discover this place, its miraculous image, the impressive basilica, and its rich history. We hope this guide has inspired you to plan your own trip to Licheń. From the A2 motorway, in good weather, you can see the glittering golden dome of the Licheń basilica, beckoning you to visit, which in itself is quite a sight. Licheń is part of our heritage, a testament to faith and determination which, without a doubt, is worth getting to know up close.