The best places to visit
What to Know Before You Visit Black Madonna Czestochowa

What to Know Before You Visit Black Madonna Czestochowa

Czestochowa, located in southern Poland, is home to one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world – Black Madonna Shrine. Many people from across Poland and beyond make the pilgrimage to Czestochowa, to offer prayers at the Black Madonna Shrine. The Black Madonna is a 17th century image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Locals consider it as a miracle and many visitors come to see with their own eyes what all the fuss is about. So, before you visit Cjestochnowas, here are some insights into what you can expect if you decide to go.

Getting to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna


Czestochowa is an easily accessible city. There are daily buses to Czestochowa from Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw. The best time to visit the shrine is from March to October. If you can’t make it during these months, try visiting during Easter, as the shrine is very popular during this time. The main attraction of Czestochowa is the Black Madonna Shrine itself. The shrine is located in a former Czestochowa monastery, which now serves as a museum. There are also several museums and churches in the monastery complex, one of which is the Shrine of Our Lady of White. This is a great place to visit for anyone interested in architecture and history.

Tours from Krakow

black madonna poland


If you’re visiting Czestochowa, you’re in an excellent position to explore the nearby towns of Wadowice, Krakow and Zakopane, as well as the picturesque mountains in the area. From Czestochowa, you can catch a bus to Wadowice and visit the magnificent Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Basilica is home to the Black Madonna and is a very important pilgrimage site in Poland. If you’re in the area, you can also visit the stunning Botanical Garden in Wadowice, which is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Next door, in Krakow, you can visit the famous Wawel Castle, the largest medieval fortification in Europe. There are many museums in the city, such as the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which offer insights into the region’s history. You can also take a day trip to Zakopane.” We recommend a trip by cable car and an ascent to Kasprowy Wierch.