St. Hedwig of Silesia Chapel at Zadni Groń in Wisła-Czarne

The Chapel of St. Hedwig of Silesia is located on Zadni Groń in Wisła, within the grounds of the Polish President's residence in Czarne. Built in the Tyrolean style in 1909 on the order of Archduke Frederick Habsburg, it was constructed from prefabricated wooden elements brought from Przyszowice. It is part of the Wooden Architecture Trail in the Silesian Voivodeship, and its architecture is characterized by shingle roofing and an oriented layout, with a small turret positioned along the central axis of the building. The interior of the chapel houses an altar from the first half of the 17th century, designed in the Mannerist style and adorned with the painting "The Way of the Cross" and "The Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary." The altar, originally from a no-longer-existing church in Bystrzyca, went through various stages of storage and restoration before being placed in the chapel. On the left side of the interior stands a statue of St. Hedwig of Silesia, and on the right, a baptismal font, both donated by notable figures. A bell tower with a campanile, built in 2004, features three bells of different weights, adding to the charm of the entire site. The chapel holds not only religious significance, hosting both Catholic and Evangelical services on Sundays, but also symbolic importance as a memorial site following the Smoleńsk tragedy. After the disaster, an ecumenical service for the victims was held here, underscoring its role in Polish culture and history. Notably, the tabernacle was donated by Maria Kaczyńska, and the bas-relief "The Lady of Szczyrk and Saint James" was gifted by President Andrzej Duda, highlighting the chapel's connection to prominent figures in Polish politics. The Chapel of St. Hedwig of Silesia is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of unity, remembrance, and Polish tradition.