The Basilica of Our Lady and St. Bartholomew in Piekary Śląskie

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Justice and Social Love in Piekary Śląskie, renowned for its exceptional devotion to Our Lady of Piekary, boasts a rich history and profound significance for the region. The first mentions of the settlement date back to the 12th century, and since 1303, a small wooden church dedicated to St. Bartholomew has stood here. In the 17th century, the installation of the image of the Virgin Mary in the main altar contributed to the growth of Marian devotion, with numerous miracles and healings beginning to attract pilgrims. In the 18th century, the original painting was moved to Opole, yet this did not diminish the popularity of Piekary, where a copy remained. A new masonry church was built in the 19th century and consecrated in 1849. The structure, in the Neo-Romanesque style, is surrounded by chapels and a unique Paradise Square. In 1962, the church was granted the title of Minor Basilica. Pilgrimage culture and related events, such as the Passion Play, hold great importance for the identity of the local community. After a long hiatus, the Passion Play returned in 2015, engaging local actors and drawing large crowds of participants. An interesting fact is that the image of Our Lady of Piekary, crowned in 1925, has suffered several profanations, including the theft of the papal crowns. Thanks to the efforts of the priests, Marian devotion has flourished, and Piekary has gained the status of a pilgrimage site and the main patroness of the Archdiocese of Katowice. The Basilica combines spiritual, cultural, and architectural aspects, serving not only as a place of prayer but also as a significant landmark in the region's history.