One of the most important attractions of the Kłodzko region is the monumental Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wambierzyce, Queen of Families. The pride of the village of Wambierzyce - the Marian basilica has many names, and due to the scale of the architectural design, it is also called "Silesian Jerusalem".
The modern basilica is located in the place where the statue of the Virgin Mary stood in the 12th century. It was with her in 1218 that the blind Jan Raszewa was supposed to regain his sight. From that moment, pilgrims from the surrounding areas began to come to Wambierzyce, bringing their worries before her. Temples were erected in this place, which for various reasons did not survive. This was the case until 1715-1723, when Count Franciszek Antoni von Goetzen founded the Baroque basilica that we can see today. In 1936, Pope Pius XI gave it the title of minor basilica. In turn, in 1980, Cardinal Wyszyński crowned the statue of the Mother of God, known from that moment under the name of the Wambierzyce Queen of Families. Since 2007, the Franciscan friars have been the hosts of the basilica.
What makes the basilica special?
Especially Catholics like to visit Wambierzyce: Basilica because it serves as a calvary, i.e. a hill on which during a procession, following the example of Jerusalem, it turns into a way of the cross, which Christ walked. The first wooden chapels at that time were erected in Wambierzyce thanks to Daniel von Osterberg as early as 1683.
Nowadays, we can see chapels from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, of which there are almost 100 on the hill. In addition, the basilica stands out thanks to its stunning architecture - an impressive late-Renaissance facade, to which monumental stairs lead.
Wambierzyce Basilica - information for tourists
The sanctuary is open from Monday to Friday. He can stay there at from 7:00 to 19:00. In the months from May to September, a Marian appeal is held here every day at 21:00, which can be a good opportunity to take part in a mass for pilgrims visiting Wambierzyce. Basilica is illuminated at night, so it is worth staying for the evening roll call to see the temple in this unusual version, showing the unique, rhythmic design of the building's architecture.