The Black Madonna Tour

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.!