Shrine of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy "Maria Śnieżna"

The Sanctuary of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy, known as Maria Śnieżna (Mary of the Snow), is a Baroque church from the late 18th century, situated atop Mount Igliczna in the Eastern Sudetes. Built in the style of Silesian Baroque, the church features a single nave, a two-bay interior with a presbytery ending in a rounded apse, and a square tower with a spire. The interior is adorned with a barrel vault decorated with paintings depicting motifs from the Litany of Loreto. Notable features include the pseudo-Baroque main altar, crafted in Munich, and the original stained-glass windows from 1897, which portray figures associated with the family of Mary. The church is embellished with numerous Baroque and Rococo artworks, including paintings and sculptures. The sanctuary gained prominence following miraculous healings that occurred from 1777 onward, attracting pilgrims from various regions. The history of this site dates back to 1750, when a peasant named Krzysztof Veit brought back a folk statue of the Virgin Mary from a pilgrimage. After a storm, the statue was moved to a safe location and became a pilgrimage destination. Construction of the new church began in 1781, and it was consecrated in 1782. The name of the sanctuary references a legend associated with the miraculous snowfall in Rome, further emphasizing the Marian devotion of this place. The statue of the Virgin Mary was crowned by Pope John Paul II in 1983. Today, the sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction, offering various hiking trails and the possibility of overnight stays in a nearby shelter. From the church, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the Śnieżnik Massif, making it a favored destination for tourist excursions.