Divine Mercy Sanctuary

Discover the figure of John Paul II who was the head of the catholic church from 1978 until his death in 2005. Find out more about his life at his family home and the John Paul II Center in Krakow. Stop at the Divine Mercy Sanctuary which was dedicated to St. Faustina Kowalska. Your tour will begin with pickup directly from your selected hotel or apartment in Krakow (or the nearest location if vehicle access is prohibited or difficult). The day before the tour, you will receive the exact pickup time from the agreed location. The first and main point of the trip will be the Karol Wojtyla Family Home in Wadowice, where the future pope was raised. You can visit the museum using an audio guide. You will learn the story of John Paul II from his birth to the time when he became pope and finally was raised to the altars. You will discover how John Paul II promoted spirituality, culture and traditions, scientific progress and educational activities. You will listen to how he helped those in need. You will learn the most important facts and you will learn many stories that you did not know before. After the tour, take some time to explore the city's central square and see the church where the future Pope was baptized, or go for a coffee with a cake called "kremowka" - the Pope's favorite delicacy from his youth when he was growing up in his hometown of Wadowice. The second point of the trip will be the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. There you will see the Church Complex where John Paul II and subsequent Popes such as Pope Benedict and Francis celebrated Masses and met with the faithful, including during World Youth Day in Krakow. There is also a cell where Saint Sister Faustyna Kowalska lived and worked. The Sister is know thanks of numerous stories related to the revelations of Jesus to her. Once there, you will see a reconstruction of the room and listen to an audioguide telling the story of her life. The next on the tour plan will be the John Paul II Center, where in the main church there is the pope's original robe from the day he was shot by Mehmet Ali Ağca in a planned attempt on him life. The Center also houses the relics of the Holy Father. There will be some free time here for self sightseeing, reflection and prayer. After completing the entire trip, the driver will take you back to Krakow

During our trip, we'll provide continuous transportation so you can fully enjoy each of the planned destinations. Your guide will be present throughout to ensure not only your safety but also to provide you with a thorough understanding and experience of each place we visit. Unofficially, the guided tour begins as soon as you get into the car, because our charming and zany guide will talk about the history of Krakow, Christianity in Poland, Krakow’s churches, and their connections, dependencies, and conflicts with pagan religion and culture, and many, many more. One thing is certain: you won’t have to worry about deafening silence during the drive or the entire tour (except for moments when silence is required). We'll start with a visit to the Observation Tower, where you'll be able to admire the picturesque views of the surrounding area. As you ascend to the top, I assure you'll be mesmerized by the panorama stretching out before you. Next, we'll head to the Museum of Saint Sister Faustina. Here, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the history and life of this extraordinary figure and learn about her legacy in both religious and social contexts. Your guide will share fascinating stories and insights into her impact on the world. Finally, we'll visit the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. This place holds special significance for many pilgrims and believers. Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of peace and reflection, discovering the meaning of Divine Mercy in everyday life. You can enhance the tour with a visit to the nearby Sanctuary of Blessed John Paul II (the most popular option) or stick with the shorter version. The total duration of the tour may vary depending on the pickup location, traffic conditions, and whether and how much time you spend on prayer/confession. The standard version usually lasts 3-4 hours, while the extended version typically lasts 4-6 hours.

Start your tour with pick-up from your hotel, hostel or apartment. After a 40-minute drive, arrive at the main square of Wadowice. Before you visit the Museum of John Paul II, see the front of the parish church of Karol Wojtyla, where little Karol was baptized, and the high school he attended. Visit the museum for around 90 minutes, before a coffee break to taste the famous papal cream cakes known as kremowka. On your arrival to Lagiewniki, begin your sightseeing of the Divine Mercy Sanctuary and JP2 complex, together with the chapel of miraculous painting of Merciful Jesus. Before heading back to Krakow, the will be an opportunity to have lunch in one of the local restaurants.

Discover two of the most important sites of Roman Catholicism in Poland on a day tour departing from Krakow. Journey to Częstochowa and the pilgrimage site of Jasna Góra Monastery, followed by a tour of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in the Lagiewniki district of Krakow. Start with pickup from your hotel in Krakow and travel north by car to the city of Częstochowa. While here, visit the monastery of the Pauline Fathers at Jasna Góra, which is the location of the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, also known as The Black Madonna. Hear more about this venerated image which has been credited with many miracles, including saving the monastery from an invasion by Swedish forces in the 17th century. Then, enter the Chapel of the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Jasna Góra and gaze at this icon that is worshipped worldwide. Next, travel to the Lagiewniki district of Krakow. Here, you can visit the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, a grand basilica dedicated to the Divine Mercy devotion of the Catholic faith. Learn about Divine Mercy devotion and Sister Faustina's canonization with your guide. Stroll through the large complex of stunning neo-Gothic, monastic buildings. Then, hop back in the car for the journey back to Krakow city center.

A tour from Krakow to Wadowice offers a deep dive into the early life and legacy of Pope John Paul II. Starting in Krakow, the tour includes visits to two significant religious sites. First, the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki, a major pilgrimage site linked to Saint Faustina Kowalska and the Divine Mercy devotion. The basilica, consecrated by John Paul II in 2002, is central to this devotion, which he promoted globally. Visitors can explore the basilica, Saint Faustina’s tomb, and enjoy panoramic views of Krakow, reflecting on the spiritual connection the pope had with Divine Mercy. Next is the John Paul II Center, a modern complex dedicated to the pope's life and work. The center features the Church of the Blessed John Paul II, with relics such as a vial of his blood. A museum offers a multimedia look at his life, from his youth in Poland to his global impact. In Wadowice, visitors explore the pope's family home, now a museum showcasing his early years, and the Basilica of the Presentation, where he was baptized. This church provides insights into the religious environment that shaped his life. This tour offers a concise, yet meaningful exploration of the life of Pope John Paul II, from his humble beginnings to his global influence.

To make the most of your day, the recommended pick-up time is around 9:00 am. Spend around 2 hours in Wadowice, 1 hour in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and 1 hour in the Divine Mercy Sanctuary and John Paul II center in Krakow - Lagiewniki. Finally you will be dropped off at your hotel or apartment in central Krakow. The first stop of your tour is in Wadowice Town of John Paul II, situated in southern Poland, where John Paul II was born. Explore the John Paul II museum, established in the Pope's family home, with an interactive exhibition about his life from a toddler, through his studies, the Second World War, his period as a priest and the attempt against his life. On the journey back to Krakow, stop at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Sancturay, the second most frequently visited pilgrimage sanctuary in Poland, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over a million visitors come to this holy place every year. Travel to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and John Paul II center in Łagiewniki. Pay tribute to the relics of the Pope and St. Faustyna Kowalska, who was canonized by John Paul II and admire the impressive basilica consecrated by the Pope in 2002.

Our first stop is the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, a place deeply connected to the life and mission of Saint Faustina Kowalska. Known for her visions of Jesus and the message of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina's tomb is a focal point of prayer and reflection within the sanctuary. The main basilica, modern in design yet filled with a sense of sacred history, provides a tranquil environment for contemplation and worship. As we explore, we learn about the profound impact of the Divine Mercy devotion and its message of God’s boundless love and forgiveness. Next, we travel a short distance to the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II, dedicated to the life and legacy of the beloved Pope. The sanctuary is a part of the "Have No Fear!" Center, which includes a church, museum, and various exhibits detailing the life, teachings, and significant moments of John Paul II’s papacy. The architecture here blends modernity with traditional elements, creating a space that honors the pope’s memory and inspires visitors to reflect on his contributions to the Church and the world.

Your tour begins with a visit to Łagiewniki, which is connected with the cult of the Divine Mercy, the grave of St. Faustina Kowalska and St. John Paul II. Here you can find the Divine Mercy Sanctuary and the “Have No Fear!” John Paul II Center, a center in Kraków dedicated to the life and work of Pope John Paul II, which also houses his relic, a glass capsule of his blood. On the way to Wadowice, "the place where it all began", you will visit the Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. In Wadowice, the pope's hometown, you will see the places dearest to Karol Wojtyła during his childhood and adolescence, including the parish church where he was baptized and the house where he was born, which is now a museum. Finally, visit the Archbishop's Palace which was Wojtyła's last residence before leaving for the Vatican in 1978. There one can see the famous "papal window", where John Paul II used to show up to chat and chant with the youth of Kraków during all his visits and where thousands of people lit candles and prayed during his last days.

Visit the basilica and monastery located in the city of Częstochowa, one of the most important centers of religious worship in Poland. Regarded by many as Poland's spiritual capital, Częstochowa has been a site of pilgrimage for Poles for hundreds of years. High on the mountain top, the monastery holds the most famous shrine to the Virgin Mary in Poland and  is also home to a Black Madonna painting rumored to have been painted by St. Luke. The Black Madonna, depicting the Mother of God with the Christ Child, is believed to have miraculous powers by those who visit her. Then, visit the Shrine of the Divine Mercy, located in the southern part of Kraków. The shrine is world's largest center of devotion to the Divine Mercy. Every year millions of pilgrims from all over the world seeking graces. See the vast sanctuary, the Congregation of the Sisters of God's Mother of Mercy, the main church, and an array of chapels. You'll also see the statue of Our Lady of Mercy, statues of St. Stanisław Kostka and St. Mary Magdalene, a picture of St. Joseph with the Child, and a coffin with relics of St. Sister Faustina. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the viewing tower.

To better understand the life of Pope John Paul II, it is worth delving into the sources and learning more about his path to becoming the head of the Catholic Church. Understanding his early experiences, studies, pastoral work, and social engagement will better elucidate how events and people shaped him before assuming the pontificate. Begin by visiting the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, dedicated to the life and spiritual legacy of Sister Faustina, whose canonization took place during the pontificate of John Paul II. Here, you can delve into her mystical experiences, and the message of mercy, and see how her life fits into the broader spiritual context of the Catholic Church. Next, head to the John Paul II Center in Krakow, where you can admire relics and learn more details about the life of John Paul II. This place is dedicated to the memory and legacy of this exceptional man, whose attitude and teaching influenced the lives of millions worldwide. Visit the Family Home of John Paul II to learn about the place where the former pope once lived. This inspiring place allows you to look back at the early life of Karol Wojtyła before he was elected pope. Here, you can see what his family was like, what the living conditions were, and what values shaped his youth. In the pope's hometown, you will also have the opportunity to try the beloved sweet treat of the pope, known as "kremówki." They became associated with him when he mentioned enjoying Polish cream cakes (kremówki) after his final exams in high school. With the Pope endorsing this traditional dish, kremówki instantly gained fame. Polish Cream Papal Cake are traditional flaky pastries filled to the brim with fluffy cream. Don't forget to explore the legacy of the life and work of John Paul II. His teachings on love, reconciliation, tolerance, and social engagement continue to inspire people worldwide. It is worth delving into his encyclicals, speeches, and actions to better understand the ideas and values that shaped his papacy. In summary, a journey through places associated with John Paul II is not only an opportunity to learn about the life story of one of the most influential popes in the history of the Catholic Church but also a chance to understand his legacy and inspiring teachings, which still hold great significance for many people worldwide.