Częstochowa (Catholic Capital of Europe)

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Justyna planned it out perfect. We found our way to Częstochowa (pronounce similar to chens-toe-Hoe-va) about an hour before the first yearly pilgrimage arrived. Religious pilgrimages started all over Poland and all merged on the church over a period of time. The lawn was filling up as we got there. We saw the painting to the right; I didn't get a picture as the chapel was massive busy and didn't want to risk getting hollered at in Polish. The painting has quite a bit of history as well as the church and complex. I found some addition information about the painting in english.




The Church sits up on a hill and has expansion lawns for worshippers. The Pope's been here as well. Statues and other major ornaments cover about everything.


View from up in the tower. You can see the long street the pilgrims walked down to get to the church. No pilgrims were visable at this time. Entrance was free, but we made donations.


I'm not exactly sure why they had smoke coming from several corners of the complex, but I think it was a beacon.


Inside the complex. Christians or Catholics in all shapes, sizes, colors found a haven.


A service was being held inside under the Black Madonna painting. It was very busy and we were able to kneel around the alter. I put my camera in my pocket at this point. Thousands of people come each year.


Detail of the ceiling in the cathedral. Every inch was flawlessly built and decorated.


Here is the first group of pilgrims and spectators.


Same group, but closer.


Bike group was 3rd I think - maybe second.


First group up close. We stayed for a dozen groups or so. It started getting very busy at this point.


Priest taking pictures with his camera phone as the first group (blue team) arrives. After this picture was taken there was a ceremony and welcoming of the pilgrims. The pope probably stood there at one time... maybe old construction as this platform looked newish.

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One thing I was very curious about was.... What do real Polish people keep in their refrigerators? Its cute. Notice the cucumbers to make pickles and there is vodka, kielbasa, blood sausage, fresh fruits, mustard, and Żywiec beer.


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