Papieżówka

Papieżówka is a small clearing located in the Gorce Mountains, in the valley of the Kamienica River, within the Małopolska province and the boundaries of the Gorce National Park. This is a place with a rich history, which became known primarily for the stay of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, the future Pope John Paul II, who spent two weeks there in July 1976 in a modest mountain hut. He was preparing for his trip to the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia. The choice of Papieżówka as a place of retreat was dictated by its tranquility and proximity to nature, which Wojtyła knew from his earlier hikes. The hut where he stayed was minimally furnished—it consisted of a wooden table, a stool, and a bed made of branches, while stones were arranged by hand around the hut. During his stay, Wojtyła hiked various trails in the Gorce Mountains, demonstrating his strong connection to the region. To commemorate this important event, a boulder with a memorial plaque was placed on the clearing, bearing the words: "Guard these trails for me," which John Paul II uttered during one of his pilgrimages to Poland. The hut was renovated in 2004. Today, the upper part of the clearing serves as a wood storage area. Papieżówka is also a tourist destination, with hiking trails, cycling routes, and educational paths running through it, encouraging visitors to explore this picturesque corner. Two hiking trails, in particular, stand out, offering different distances and total ascents, along with magnificent views and the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. It is worth noting that the Kamienica Valley, where Papieżówka is located, has been temporarily closed by the Gorce National Park on the section up to Gorc Troszacki. From both a cultural and historical perspective, Papieżówka remains a place of great significance in Poland's spiritual and tourist landscape.