Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Zielenice

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Zielenice is a historic Roman Catholic church and an important sanctuary of Our Lady of Zielenice. Built in the 17th century on top of "Providence Hill," it is located 40 km northeast of Kraków, in the municipality of Radziemice. Its architecture is typical of the Baroque style, featuring a single nave divided into three bays and a presbytery topped with a dome and lantern. The interior is adorned with a main altar from the first half of the 17th century and four Rococo side altars decorated with works of art, including paintings by Jan Molga. The church is characterized by a static main altar layout and dynamically designed 18th-century side altars. Pilasters flank the sides of the presbytery, and lunettes illuminate the interior. Valuable elements of the decoration include pilgrim votive offerings and paintings, highlighting the cultural role of the site as a religious center. Historically, the church is associated with the veneration of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, which has attracted pilgrims since the 17th century, with its recognition as miraculous stemming from numerous healings. A significant event in the sanctuary's history was the coronation of the image by Pope John Paul II in 1983. The church underwent several changes in the 20th century, including restorations and expansions, which were crucial for maintaining and developing the local religious community. Surrounding the church is a park with a Stations of the Cross pathway, featuring sculptures by Professor Czesław Dźwigaj, further enriching the cultural offerings of the site. The church, embedded in the landscape of Zielenice, remains a symbol of local history and spirituality, serving as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.