Częstochowa is a place known to many people around the world, primarily due to the presence of the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, the icon of the Black Madonna, which is located in the monastery of the Pauline Fathers at Jasna Góra. The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15), attracts every year about 100,000 pilgrims to Częstochowa every year from Poland and abroad. The Chapel of the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Jasna Góra is the epicentre of the Shrine.
The Chapel of Our Lady with the Image of the Mother of God and Baby Jesus, also known as the Black Madonna, is the most important goal of the pilgrims arriving in Jasna Góra. It was from the altar of Our Lady that the Polish kings set out on military expeditions and brought here their votive offerings. John Paul II also offered a Golden Rose and the belt shot through during the attempt on his life in 1981, which are now placed next to the image of the Black Madonna.
The chapel consists of three parts erected at different times. The oldest, gothic part is today’s presbytery and is decorated with an ebony and silver altar from the 17th century. The second, baroque part is decorated with votive offerings, expressing gratitude to the Mother of God for favors. The third part of the chapel dates from the beginning of the 20th century.
Częstochowa is situated in the northern part of the Province of Silesia, in a picturesque range of limestone hills. The city is located near Katowice-Pyrzowice and Kraków-Balice Airports, on one of the main transport routes of Poland, connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
The region around of Częstochowa – the Polish Jurassic Highland also known as the Polish Jura – is a perfect place for sport, recreation and activity-focused tourism. The Kraków-Częstochowa upland is an exceptional eco-paradise with unique natural appeal. Częstochowa is a great starting point for Jurassic tourist trails, with ruins of medieval fortresses, limestone rocks and caves, attracting numerous hikers, cyclists and horse riders, rock climbers, cave explorers and hang-gliders.
Częstochowa offers a rich and varied cultural palette thanks to its excellet cultural establishments such as the City Museum, City Art Gallery, Philharmonic Hall, Adam Mickiewicz Theater, “Gaude Mater” Center for the Promotion of Culture, Film Culture Center and City Community Center. Local events in Częstochowa, such as “Aleje – tu się dzieje” – a project comprising a series of cultural events in the main avenue of the city, or “Hot Jazz Spring”, “Frytka OFF”, “Hip-Hop Elements”, Reggae ON” and “Retro” festivals are very popular among the inhabitants of Częstochowa and are a recognizable trademark of the city in Poland and abroad.
Can cities be friends? Of course! Proof of this is the 35 years of friendship between Częstochowa and Lourdes – two member cities of the Shrines of Europe. Under the slogan "Long live friendship!", a solemn celebration of the cooperation of the twin cities took place in Częstochowa recently, which brought much emotion and joy.
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In Catholic tradition, May has for centuries been a month especially devoted to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. It is during May that the Litany of Loreto is recited in churches, roadside chapels dedicated to Mary are adorned with fresh flowers, special Marian services are held, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines increase.
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Since yesterday, the Catholic Church has been in mourning. On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died. Today, we recall the pilgrimages to the cities of the Shrines of Europe that the Holy Father made during his pontificate.
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Dear Friends, On the occasion of Easter, we wish you joy, peace and many smiles during the first days of spring. May this special time be the beginning of new energy, inspiration and positive plans - also those related to travel!
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March was an exceptionally busy month for the partners of the Shrines of Europe Association. A lot was happening because we wanted to be present at the most important industry events in the field of tourism organized this month in Portugal. And you know what? We did it! We invite you to read the report from participation in the 12th edition of the International Workshop on Religious Tourism in Fatima and in the Better Tourism Lisbon tourism fair in the capital of Portugal.
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Did you know that you can see Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes from the Sistine Chapel not only in the Vatican, but also in Częstochowa? We invite you to a unique multimedia exhibition, which gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at this famous work of Renaissance art.
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