The cultural landscape of Kalwaria Zebrzydowski is a one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. Apparently, it is of great spiritual significance in that it hosts a series of worship places that relate to both the Passion of Jesus Christ as well as the life of Virgin Mary.

The landscape was laid out in the 17th century and has remained unchanged to date. It is one of the most important Christian Pilgrimage sites in Poland.

The work on the Mannerist architectural ensemble was aimed at depicting the Biblical Calvary. Work started in 160o under the supervision of Mikolai Zebrzydowski the Voyevode of Cracow. He built the famous Chapel of Crucifixion on the slopes of Mount Zar. Along with a small Hermitage, he used the chapel for private meditation.

In due course, 2 monks – Tomasz Bucki and Ludwig Boguski – persuaded Mikolai Zebrzydoski to enlarge his original complex to resemble those in Jerusalem. The ensemble would later be used by local inhabitants as well as believers from other parts of Poland for prayers.

The landscape was designed by a famous mathematician, astronomer and surveyor known as Feliks Zebrowski. His design was based on the layout of Jerusalem during Christ’s time. The topography was reproduced using Lackaranska Mountain as the Mount of Olives and Zar Mountain as Golgotha.

Sites chosen for chapels represented the several stages that Jesus took on his way to Calvary and eventually Golgotha. The sites were cut through natural woodland and were linked by a simple cross. The sits would later be replaced with chapels from 1605 to 1632.  The chapels were built by a Belgium known as Paul Baudarth who had training in Mannerist and hence the Mannerist designs on the chapels.

Attractions

• Third Fall of Christ Chapel (1754)
• The Weeping Women Chapel (1782)
• St John Nepomucen Chapel (1824)
• The Angel Chapel (1836)
• The Church of Our Lady of the Angels
• The Bernardine monastery
• The Baroque style pilgrim (1658- 67)
• Calvary Park and its monastery

There are so many things you can learn from this UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites. From the story of Crucifixion to the European Mannerist Style of Construction to the beautiful landscape on which the Calvary Park created, you will have the time of your life.