St. Kinga's Chapel

The Chapel of St. Kinga, located in the Pieniny Mountains along the green hiking trail from Krościenko to the Sosnów Pass, is an intriguing site with a rich history. Although its exact date of construction is unknown, it has been marked on maps since the early 19th century. The chapel was restored in 1905 and 1949. It stands on a stone foundation near the Ociemne Valley by the Ociemny Stream. According to legend, the chapel was built on the spot where St. Kinga rested on the banks of the Dunajec River while fleeing from the Tatars to her refuge in Pieniny Castle. In 1863, Szczęsny Morawski described the site where the saint stepped on a large rock, leaving a clear footprint, and a spring gushed forth from beneath it. The water was believed to have remarkable healing properties, especially for eye diseases. Unfortunately, the spring no longer exists, as the legend says it dried up after being desecrated by an Italian worker during the construction of a nearby road. The interior of the chapel features verses by Gorzkowski from around 1900, and on its front wall, an inscription reads: "For the glory of God, the prosperity of the people, and the repentance of enemies." The chapel is also an important stop for hikers. The trail from Krościenko takes about 20 minutes to reach the chapel, and the hike to Sokolica takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. This site combines architectural, cultural, and historical values, serving as a testament to local traditions and legends, as well as an attractive destination for tourists.