Wadowice - accommodation

The hometown of Pope John Paul II, a place of worship and the destination of many pilgrimages. Here one can find places commemorating the life and achievements of Karol Wojtyla: the Family Home of the Holy Father John Paul II, actually a biographical museum of the Polish Pope, located in his family home. In the city you can find buildings signed with the Holy Father's name: John Paul II Square with classicist houses from the 19th century, monuments in the market square and at St. Peter's Church.

Due to the nature of Karol Wojtyla's city, there are many sacred sites here. A small town located in Malopolska province, first mentioned as early as 1325. A city with beautiful architecture and history, and above all a town carrying memories associated with John Paul II.

Where is worth looking into while in Wadowice?

- Family Home of the Holy Father John Paul II On May 18, 1984, a museum located in the Pope's home at 7 Church Street opened, with items documenting the priestly activities and life of Karol Wojtyla. The museum attracts a great number of tourists every year.

- St. Joseph's Sanctuary This is the monastery complex of the Discalced Carmelites and St. Joseph's Church located in Wadowice at 22 Karmelicka St. Popularly known as "Wadowice Hill" or the monastery "on the Hill". It is one of the centers of the cult of Our Lady of the Scapular and St. Raphael Kalinowski, whose relics are in the sanctuary. He was the founder and first superior of the monastery.

- The cell where St. Raphael lived and died is also open to visitors. John Paul II Square John Paul II Square, formerly known as Red Army Square, is located in the center of the city, and is popularly known simply as the market square.

It is likely that a town hall once stood on the square. The oldest buildings built around the square date back to the 19th century.A monument to John Paul II appeared on the square in 2006. Now the square is undergoing reconstruction.When completed, it is to be made of light-colored granite, with plenty of greenery around. Katyn Cross The Katyn Cross, was unveiled on April 22, 2010 and commemorates the victims of the Katyn massacre. The monument features a list of names, based on the so-called Wadowice List prepared by historian Michal Siwiec-Cielebon.

The monument was designed by Marek Brzeźniak, and Michal Batkiewicz is responsible for its execution. At the base of the cross are hands bound with barbed wire, which hold gun shell casings. Next to the monument are placed urns with soil from Katyn and Smolensk, commemorating the crash of a Polish plane in Smolensk, April 10, 2010.

From the first moments spent in Wadowice, we can feel the specific atmosphere of the city at every step. In the air as if you can feel the presence of the Pope. Let's not forget to go for the delicious and famous kremówki, and find accommodation before leaving.