Czestochowa

About

As the national shrine of Poland, Jasna Góra Monastery is understandably a sight to behold. Regarded by many as Poland's spiritual capital, Częstochowa welcomes hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world and operates as the centre of Polish Catholicism. The Black Madonna of Częstochowa (also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa) is a beloved icon of the Virgin Mary. Difficult to date due to damage inflicted by Hussite raiders in 1430, legend goes that the icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist on a table built by Jesus. During Nazi occupation, Hitler prohibited pilgrimages to Jasna Góra, but many still secretly made the journey and after Poland was liberated in 1945, half a million pilgrims journeyed to Częstochowa to express their gratitude. Later during the Cold War, Jasna Góra was a center of anti-Communist resistance. A place of both religious and historical significance, Częstochowa is a moving and awe-inspiring visit regardless of one's faith.