This special spiritual journey begins in Gdańsk, on the Baltic coast of northern Poland. Explore the city’s most iconic sights such as its historic Old Town, the Market Square, and the 15th century Gdańsk Crane, a medieval port crane located on the waterfront of the Motława River. You will also admire Oliwa Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church in the district of Oliwa and one of Gdańsk’s most treasured landmarks and the world’s longest Cistercian church, with a magnificent Baroque interior, ornate altars, and the famous Oliwa Organ.
Next stop is the historic village of Gietrzwałd; in the Warmia region, with surrounding nature known for its numerous lakes and the serene Giłwa river. The village is renowned for the Marian Shrine of Our Lady in Gietrzwałd since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to two young local children in 1877. A destination for pilgrims from Poland and abroad, the shrine is one of the only three officially approved Marian Apparition sites in Poland and often referred to as the “Polish Lourdes”.
Continue to Wolf’s Lair, Adolf Hitler’s main military headquarters during World War II, before visiting the Marian Sanctuary of Święta Lipka, one of Poland’s most important Marian shrines and an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. Next is Reszel, one of Warmia’s best-preserved medieval towns with a historic Market Square, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and the impressive Bishops of Warmia Castle.
On your last day, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Elbląg Canal, and experience the 19th century canal’s remarkable inclined plane system, where boats are transported over land, between sections of the canal, a unique engineering achievement. Enjoy beautiful views of the Masurian region as you cruise through Poland’s tranquil countryside.
Image courtesy of Gietrzwald cudamaryjne.pl official website.
For more information about this Pilgrimage to Poland, contact our travel experts.