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Jasna Góra Monastery, Częstochowa, Poland (16 April 2008)
Częstochowa is a city in the Silesian Voivodeship, in southern Poland. Located on the Warta River, it covers 160 sq km (61.8 sq mi) and has a population of 240,000 (2011 estimate). The city observes the Central European Time (UTC+1) and in summer the Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
Częstochowa is famous throughout Poland - and indeed throughout the Catholic world - as being the location of the Jasna Góra Monastery, where the Black Madonna painting is kept. The Black Madonna is the most important religious icon in Poland. Millions of Catholic pilgrims come from all over the world to view it.
The economy of Częstochowa is centered on religious tourism surrounding the pilgrimages to Jasna Góra Monastery. Hotels, hostels, restaurants and souvenir shops are found in the city to cater to the unbroken stream of pilgrims to the monastery. Other tourist attractions of Częstochowa pale in comparison.
Interior of the basilica at Jasna Góra Monastery (17 April 2008)
Visiting Częstochowa
The Katowice International Airport (KTW) in Katowice is the nearest airport to Częstochowa. It receives flights from many destinations in Central Europe as well as London-Luton, London-Stansted. From the airport, you can take a taxi to Częstochowa. The journey takes about an hour. A slower but more economical alternative is to take the train.
Outside the Shrine of the Black Madonna at Jasna Góra Monastery (17 April 2008)
Sights & Attractions in Częstochowa
- Jasna Góra Monastery
The most famous shrine to the Virgin Mary in Poland and the country's top pilgrimage destination. The monastery complex, dating to 1382, is located on a fortress-like hillock and includes a refectory, a museum, the Chapel of the Last Supper, the Basilica of the Holy Cross and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Lubomirski Gate, Confessionals, Knights Hall, the Treasury, the Stations of the Cross, and of course, the Black Madonna painting itself.
Other Catholic Pilgrimage Sites
- Fátima, Portugal
- Lourdes, France
- Međugorje, Bosnia & Herzegovina
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