The Black Madonna Tour
The Black Madonna Tour
Trip Itinerary
- 1
Hotel pickup
Our driver will pick you up from the indicated hotel or apartment between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
- 2
Transfer to Jasna Gora
The transfer to Czestochowa takes approximately 2 hours. During this time, you can relax, prepare for the day full of attractions or taste our delicious pre-packed lunch tailored to your dietary requirements.
- 3
Jasna Gora Tour
Explore the Pauline Monastery and admire the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as Black Madonna. The painting is renowned thanks to the reports of incredible events and miracles witnessed by local residents and pilgrims from the entire world.
- 4
Czestochowa
On the way back, you’ll have a unique opportunity to explore the city of Czestochowa and its landmarks that aren’t necessarily related to Christianity.
- 5
Transfer to your hotel
Around 3-4 p.m. you’ll be ready to relax at your hotel after the eventful and spiritual day. We’ll be happy to drop you off at the indicated location which means that you won’t have to waste extra time and money on taxis or public transport.
Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.
The Black Madonna Tour
When thinking about Marian sanctuaries in Poland that are worth visiting, it’s impossible not to mention Czestochowa and the Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora. This shrine enjoys the greatest popularity mainly thanks to the venerated icon depicting the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, also known as Our Lady of Czestochowa. Why is this site so honoured and worshipped by numerous Catholics from across the world? Keep reading to discover its uniqueness and learn more about the Black Madonna Tour organized by MrShuttle.
The phenomenon of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa
Czestochowa is considered to be the most popular shrine in Poland and it hosts thousands of pilgrims each year. People from across the country leave their places of residence every August to trek for 9 days in order to get to the monastery on August 26 when The Feast Day of Our Lady of Czestochowa takes place.
Wondering why they actually do it and what this hustle is all about? Well, it’s all in honour of the miraculous painting widely venerated across the world. The icon is credited with a number of miracles and incredible events, including saving the Jasna Gora Monastery during the Deluge and siege in the XVII century.
Mysterious Origins of the icon
The miraculous painting showing the Virgin Mary and Jesus has been analyzed by fascinated people from across the globe for many centuries. Even today, it’s a subject of fierce discussions between scholars trying to determine such basic facts as the time when the icon was created and transported to Poland.
When scrutinizing sources such as chronicles by Jan Dlgosz that go back to the XIV century, it’s possible to come to the conclusion that the Black Madonna icon was brought to Poland thanks to Wladyslaw Opolczyk, the founder of the Pauline Fathers Monastery. It’s believed that the painting was transported to Jasna Gora in 1382 or shortly after.
Interestingly, the legend says that Wladyslaw Opolczyk saw the wooden church on the hill in his dream and believed that Saint Mary chose the ideal location on her own.
Significance of the two scars on Madonna’s cheek
According to legends and history, the two scars on the right cheek of Black Madonna appeared in 1430 when the Pauline Monastery was plundered by the Hussites. The icon was among many other valuable trophies. However, incredible things started happening when the robbers placed the painting in their wagon and tried to run away but their horses refused to go. The Hussites decided to get rid of the icon. That’s the moment when one of the plunderers damaged the miraculous Black Madonna by creating two scars on her cheek.
Although specialists did their best to repair the painting, they weren’t able to do it due to the fact that the icon was created with the use of tempera infused with diluted wax.
The Black Madonna icon and its importance for Poles
The sanctuary and the chapel with the Black Madonna icon are the main tourist attractions when thinking about Czestochowa and Jasna Gora. Due to the fact that Poles are a highly religious nation that frequently entrusts all its affairs to God, these places are considered to be one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Poland.
As evidenced by history, Jasna Gora has been popular also in the past - John Casimir, the King of Poland, declared the Blessed Virgin to be the patron and queen of Poland in 1656.
Moreover, John Paul II, whose life you can explore thanks to the Heritage Tour organized by MrShuttle, entrusted his entire pontificate to Our Lady of Czestochowa by saying the famous "Totus Tuus".
This shows that the picturesque hill and monastery have always been close to the hearts of Polish Catholics. In recent years, these Christian pilgrimage sites gained popularity also abroad and became one of the most willingly visited places in Poland. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth going to Jasna Gora and experiencing its unique atmosphere, don’t hesitate and choose the finest events organized by MrShuttle!
The Black Madonna Tour with MrShuttle
If you haven’t come across MrShuttle before, our company is passionate about providing comprehensive door-to-door services that enable comfortable and carefree travelling.
With us, you don’t need to worry about language barriers as offered tours are available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian and Spanish.
The tour with MrShuttle starts between 7:30 and 8:30, so eat an early breakfast to get ready for the eventful day. Our company offers free hotel pickup.
The tour takes approximately 8 or 9 hours, so don’t plan any other attractions on this day. Remember that conditions in Krakow may differ from the weather in Czestochowa so dress appropriately.
Wondering what else to see in Częstochowa?
Czestochowa isn’t only about the Monastery!
Although the Jasna Gora Monastery probably comes to your mind first when thinking about Czestochowa, the city has much more to offer! Once you finish contemplation in front of the venerated Black Madonna icon dating back to the XIV century, you can get ready for exploring available museums, the town hall or green parks full of mesmerizing nature.
The Museum of the 600th Anniversary of Jasna Gora
When visiting Czestochowa, it’s worth going to the Museum of the 600th Anniversary of Jasna Gora that exhibits votive plaques, antique vestments, candlesticks and collections of rosaries donated by Polish queens and kings. Admire Baroque paintings, valuable books and medals, including the Nobel Peace medal awarded to Lech Walesa, the former president and the Solidarity founder.
The Avenue of the Blessed Virgin
Stroll through the breathtaking Avenue of the Blessed Virgin that is 2 kilometers long and was built at the beginning of the XIX century to connect the old and the new city. Go to the neighbouring parks that abound in monuments and attractions. Observe local residents taking a walk, sit on one of the benches and admire the picturesque landscape, soak up the sun, taste the most delicious ice cream in Czestochowa or eat a delightful meal served by one of the charming restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on life and relax in the bosom of nature.
The church of St. Barbara and St. Andrews
This Baroque church is another noteworthy Marian pilgrimage site in Czestochowa. Interestingly, it was built because of the legend that has been already mentioned above. It’s believed that the Hussites, who plundered the monastery, abandoned the Black Madonna icon exactly in the current location of the church in 1430. Shortly after, a spring emerged from the ground to clean the painting and a new chapel was created there in the XVII century to commemorate this event. This spot is an ideal culmination of a day full of spiritual highlights. With MrShuttle, you can calmly and conveniently explore the most significant pilgrimage sites in Poland.
Visit the Pauline Monastery and Jasna Gora, devour our pre-packed wholesome lunch and relax in your hotel room in Krakow once the tour is over, meaning approximately 3-4 p.m.!
The Black Madonna Tour - Travellers recommend this tour:
Check opinions about this trip
The pilgrimage was so well organized. Professional guide. High recommend.
Everything excellent.
A nice trip, to one of the most popular places in Poland for catholic. Well organized, professional guide, a delicious lunch.
More details about this tour
Here is a break down of all the activities in the tour:Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic.
We use a fleet of new Mercedes-Benz Vans and Minibuses. Our drivers are well trained and fully licensed for travel ground transportation. Our door to door service means that you will be picked up directly form your hotel and delivered to the same spot after the tour, for free.
On the way, we will serve you our delicious packed lunch set freshly prepared everyday including: chicken & pasta salad, cheese sandwich, chocolate wafer and bottle of water. We also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options so if you need one, please remember to add a remark in your booking form.
More reasons why you should use our services:
We have invented this tour on the market and we are the best in it.Free hotel pickup included
Our English speaking driver will pick you up from the preferred location. This means you won’t need to worry about getting lost, being late or having problems with the language barrier. Forget about spending extra money on bus tickets. We travel in small groups to ensure that every tour member feels catered for. At the end of the day, we’ll drive you to the hotel or apartment where you can relax conveniently.
Lunch included
Devour our fresh, pre-packed lunch tailored to your preferences. Recharge your batteries and taste our wholesome chicken salads or sandwiches. To meet the expectations of all travellers, we provide vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options. Moreover, our delicious chocolate wafers will certainly satisfy all sweet cravings. Just inform us about your needs when booking the tour!
Guided tour
Local guides certified by the museum are real experts in the field. Our specialists will be at your disposal to inform you about available languages and visiting time slots.
Top-notch vehicles
MrShuttle uses only modern Mercedes-Benz vans and minibuses that guarantee the comfort and safety of travel. Our employees are licenced professionalists who will conveniently drive you to the indicated location.
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FAQ
Here you can find answers for frequently asked questions.Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.Please note that this tour is not available on: 25th of December, 1st of January, 15th of August, Eastern Saturday afternoon and Eastern Sunday,
Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed to carry on the Museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can always leave your belongings inside the bus which will be parked nearby.
Please note that for Balice airport/hotels near the airport pickup the additional fee is 70 PLN per booking.
Most part of the tourist route is adapted for persons not moving independently. Please contact our reservation team in case of any doubts.
During the tour, taking photos and filming is allowed. Guide will let you know where you shall not use flash while taking the pictures.
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