Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a town in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, founded in the 17th century by the Kraków voivode Mikołaj Zebrzydowski as a pilgrimage center. It is located near a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Bernardine Fathers' Passion-Marian Sanctuary complex. The town is distinguished by its Baroque and Mannerist architecture, featuring a monastery, the Basilica of the St. Mary of the Angels, and 42 chapels forming the Pathways of Jesus. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is known for cultural events such as the Kalwaria Days, as well as for an artistic movement supported by the Center for Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Society of Friends of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. The town has a vibrant sports scene centered around local clubs and facilities, including a sports stadium. Historically, it is notable for significant events such as visits by Pope John Paul II, who granted it his patronage. In recent years, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska has flourished as a center of furniture craftsmanship, hosting furniture fairs that highlight its artisanal heritage. An interesting fact is that the town serves as a starting point for tourist trails and is often chosen by pilgrims heading to other holy sites. Additionally, it boasts a favorable geographical location in the Wieliczka Foothills and a well-developed transportation network with national road and rail connections.