Located mid-way between Kraków and Wadowice. Mikołaj Zebrzydowski’s wife, who was a Voivode (Governor) of Kraków on the turn of the 16th and 17th c., had a vision of three burning crosses on the hill where the park is now located upon. In recognition of Mrs. Zebrzydowski’s powers a series of over 40 Baroque chapels dedicated to several faiths were built on the site at the beginning of the 17th century by her husband. The real masterpiece is the Baroque St. Mary’s Basilica, which was the very first building to be constructed.
The church was completed in 1609, then it became a part of a larger complex including a Franciscan monastery.
Since 1999 the monastery, and the Calvary has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska has manifold connections with the pope John Paul II, now saint John Paul who, as a young boy, was deeply influenced by the scenes of annual Calvary Road procession in his religious devotion.
