Łapczyca

The parish in Łapczyca, established in the first half of the 14th century, is known for the first brick church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1340 with funding from King Casimir the Great. The church was intended as an act of penance by the king for his romantic involvement with Krystyna Rokiczanka. Over time, the nearby wooden Chapel of St. Anne, erected between 1501 and 1509, gained prominence. After a fire in 1728, it was rebuilt and eventually replaced in 1933 by the present-day Neo-Gothic church. Designed by Jan Sas-Zubrzycki, the church features rich architectural details, a single-nave structure, and two transept chapels. The interior is adorned with figurative polychrome paintings, while Neo-Gothic altars and an 18th-century Baroque crucifix highlight the site's historical religious significance. Located near the Niepołomice Forest and the Beskid Mountains, Łapczyca offers excellent conditions for hiking and cycling, with nearby hills providing panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. In the past, the village played a key role on the Amber Route, connecting Hungary with Kraków, which contributed to its development. The earliest documented references to the settlement date back to the years 1123–1125. In 1288, it was granted German law, leading to the establishment of local self-government. The village's history was further enriched by pilgrimages to the church, which began in 1849 to commemorate the salvation of Bochnia from a cholera epidemic. Łapczyca also has cultural achievements, including connections with the Polish Brethren and education, as well as a monument to Józef Chwałkowski, a volunteer of the January Uprising, created in the 20th century. Today, the village has approximately 2,170 residents and features the only saltworks in Lesser Poland and geothermal springs. Łapczyca is also the seat of the Bochnia Commune, with numerous additional hamlets and village sections. Its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and the romantic allure of pilgrimages make it a place of significant cultural and touristic importance in the region.