Licheń Stary Calvary

Licheń Calvary, also known as Golgotha in Licheń, is a unique calvary complex located in Stary Licheń, within the grounds of the popular Marian sanctuary. Its construction, inspired by the Passion of Jesus Christ, began in 1976 and was completed in the early 1980s, at a time when such activities were illegal under the then-existing law of the Polish People's Republic. Thanks to the determination of Father Eugeniusz Makulski, the initiator of the project, and Olga Bajkowska, who was responsible for most of the sculptures, the Calvary was built on a 25-meter-high hill, using glacial erratics and colored glass from greenhouses. Makulski's goal was to make amends for the destruction of the Licheń crucifix during World War II. Architecturally, the Calvary stands out for its labyrinth of paths, chapels, and sculptures, which are both aesthetic and symbolic, creating a folk representation of the Stations of the Cross. Among the many elements, visitors can find the Garden of Gethsemane, the Grottoes of the Flagellation and Apparitions, as well as the Tomb of Jesus, intended as a place for reflection. Interestingly, the construction was sabotaged by communist authorities, who sought to destroy the project, but eventually legalized it as a field altar. Golgotha is a pilgrimage site that attracts both the faithful and tourists, reflecting the deep spiritual significance and history of the region. The entire complex holds educational and cultural value, as it showcases themes important to Christianity, such as sin, forgiveness, and redemption, while also placing strong emphasis on local traditions.