Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń
The Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, is the largest church in Poland and ranks among the biggest church buildings in the world. Designed by architect Barbara Bielecka, it was built between 1994 and 2004 in an eclectic monumental style blending classical and Polish national motifs. Its nave stretches 120 metres, its golden central dome reaches 98 metres, and its freestanding tower rises 141.5 metres, the tallest in Poland.
The shrine's devotion traces to early 19th-century events: a vision attributed to a wounded soldier, Tomasz Klossowski, and later reported apparitions of the Virgin to a shepherd, which led to veneration of a small image of Our Lady of Sorrows. As pilgrim crowds grew through the 20th century, the Marian Fathers (Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception), who care for the site, undertook construction of the immense new basilica to accommodate them.
Inside, the basilica houses one of Poland's largest pipe organs, with around 157 stops, and richly decorated chapels along its vast interior. Consecrated in 2004 in the presence of Polish church leadership, it quickly became a major national pilgrimage center, drawing well over a million visitors and pilgrims each year. The surrounding sanctuary grounds feature gardens, a Way of the Cross, and monuments, making Lichen a sprawling contemporary expression of Polish Marian piety.
- Location
- 52.3233, 18.3580
- Local time
- 00:39 (Europe/Warsaw)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sun | 07:00–19:00 |
Open daily for pilgrims and visitors; tower and museum may have separate seasonal hours. Times approximate and subject to Mass schedules.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
-
Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland Saint
The basilica enshrines the venerated image of Our Lady of Lichen under this title.
-
Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Saint
Patronal title of the Marian Fathers who administer the sanctuary.
Care & donations
Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception
Donations accepted on-site and online to support the shrine and its upkeep.
Official website →The candle wall
0 candles burning now · 150 places
00:39
Tap an empty holder to light your own candle · €2.00 · hover a flame to see its intention