Visit one of Europe’s largest Marian sanctuaries and discover the miraculous image of Our Lady of Licheń, the place of the apparition, the blessed spring and the magnificent basilica in a private full-day journey from Warsaw.
Visit one of Europe’s largest Marian sanctuaries and discover the miraculous image of Our Lady of Licheń, the place of the apparition, the blessed spring and the magnificent basilica in a private full-day journey from Warsaw.
Licheń combines deep Marian devotion with breathtaking architecture unlike anywhere else in Poland. From the miraculous image of Our Lady and the place of the apparition to the blessed spring and one of Europe’s largest basilicas, every step of this pilgrimage invites prayer, reflection and lasting inspiration.
Visit the sacred stone believed to mark the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to shepherd Mikołaj Sikatka. Today it remains one of the most meaningful places of prayer within the sanctuary.
Drink from the blessed spring, where pilgrims have gathered for generations to pray, reflect and seek spiritual renewal in one of Licheń’s most peaceful places.
Pray before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Licheń, one of Poland’s most treasured Marian icons and the spiritual heart of the sanctuary.
According to tradition, in 1850 the shepherd Mikołaj Sikatka encountered the Virgin Mary while praying in the forests near Licheń. She asked that the miraculous image be brought out of the forest and placed where the faithful could come to pray. This encounter became the beginning of one of Poland’s greatest Marian pilgrimages.
“Bring my image to a place where people may gather in prayer.”
BY CAR · PRIVATE JOURNEY
Departures from central Warsaw cover approximately 230 km (143 miles) and usually require around 2 hours and 30 minutes of comfortable driving through the landscapes of central Poland.
Unlike many large pilgrimage destinations in Europe, Licheń offers a peaceful atmosphere despite its impressive size. Visitors have plenty of time to explore the Basilica, pray before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Licheń, visit the place of the apparition, the blessed spring and the Stations of the Cross.
Most guests spend around 3 hours at the sanctuary. Those wishing to attend Holy Mass or enjoy a longer time for personal prayer should allow approximately 4 hours, making the entire private pilgrimage from Warsaw a comfortable 9–10 hour experience.
How a wounded soldier from the Battle of Leipzig unknowingly began one of Poland’s greatest Marian pilgrimages.
In October 1813, during the Battle of Leipzig, Polish soldier Tomasz Kłossowski was gravely wounded and believed he was dying. Lying alone on the battlefield, he entrusted his life to the Virgin Mary.
According to tradition, Mary appeared before him with words of comfort and hope. She promised that he would recover and asked him to remember Her face.
“Do not be afraid. You will recover. “
“One day you must find My image and place it where people will come to pray and …”
A simple image that became the beginning of a great sanctuary.
Years later, near Częstochowa, he recognised the small image of the Virgin Mary that matched the vision from the battlefield. He brought it to Licheń and placed it on a pine tree in the nearby forest.
Soon afterwards, local shepherd Mikołaj Sikatka began praying at that very place. It was there that the Marian apparitions connected with Licheń would later be reported, beginning the extraordinary story of one of Poland’s most important pilgrimage sites.
“…and receive many graces.”
One tiny icon. One extraordinary pilgrimage.
The miraculous image of Our Lady of Licheń measures only 9.5 × 15.5 cm (3.7 × 6.1 inches), making it one of the smallest Marian icons venerated in Europe.
Yet today it occupies the heart of Poland’s largest church. Rising above the main altar, the tiny image draws millions of pilgrims who come to pray before the same icon once carried by a wounded soldier and later hung on a pine tree in the nearby forest.
One of Poland’s smallest Marian icons.
“The image bearing My likeness, which now hangs upon this pine tree, is to be moved to a worthy place. There I desire to receive public veneration for the glory of Almighty God. In that place a monastery shall be built, where My sons will serve Me. Great numbers of pilgrims will come before this image and will find comfort in their sufferings. I shall be their Mother and their Queen. They will build for Me a magnificent church.”
Words attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the apparition at Licheń, 15 August 1850
Practical information before your visit to Lichen .
Our private tour from Warsaw lasts approximately 8–9 hours. The drive takes around 2.5 hours each way, while visitors usually spend 3 hours exploring the sanctuary. If you wish to attend Holy Mass or spend additional time in prayer, we recommend allowing around 4 hours at the site.
Yes. We are happy to adapt the itinerary so you can participate in Holy Mass. If you let us know your preference in advance, we will plan the day accordingly.
Holy Masses are celebrated daily in the Basilica at:
7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
The schedule may change on major feast days, so we recommend checking the official sanctuary website before your visit.
The miraculous image is unveiled every morning at approximately 6:00 AM and remains visible throughout the day. It is traditionally covered again after the evening liturgy.
The Basilica was designed with rich Christian symbolism reflected throughout its architecture.
Together, these architectural elements remind pilgrims that every day of the year is an invitation to faith, prayer and spiritual renewal.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń is the largest church in Poland and one of the largest churches in Europe.
To appreciate its scale:
Despite its monumental size, the sanctuary’s greatest treasure is not the building itself, but the tiny 9.5 × 15.5 cm miraculous image of Our Lady of Licheń, which has inspired pilgrims for generations.
Yes. Confessions are heard daily in designated confessionals, usually before and during Holy Masses.
What’s included
LICHEŃ PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE
Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a quiet, private journey with full comfort.
LICHEŃ PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE
A perfect solution for families or small groups traveling together, without compromising comfort.
LICHEŃ PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE
We can also arrange transport and guiding services for larger groups, including minibuses and multi-day itineraries.
Please contact us for a tailored quote.
• Cash (EUR / USD / PLN)
• Credit & debit cards
• Secure online payment (on request)
No hidden fees. No prepayment required for most bookings.
PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE PLANNING
Whether you wish to attend Holy Mass, spend time in prayer or simply discover Licheń, we will help you create a pilgrimage tailored to your needs.
Licheń is only one chapter in Poland’s remarkable Marian heritage. Continue your spiritual journey to other sacred destinations where faith, history and centuries-old traditions come together in unforgettable private pilgrimages.
ONE-DAY PILGRIMAGE
Visit two of Poland’s most beloved Marian sanctuaries in one inspiring private pilgrimage. Experience the peace of Licheń before continuing to Niepokalanów, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan friar who gave his life for another prisoner at Auschwitz. Together these two extraordinary sanctuaries offer a profound journey through faith, courage and hope.
5–7 DAY PRIVATE JOURNEY
Beginning in Warsaw, this private pilgrimage may include Niepokalanów, Gietrzwałd, Święta Lipka, Licheń, Jasna Góra, Kraków, Łagiewniki and Wadowice — together with other sacred places chosen according to your interests and spiritual priorities. The itinerary remains fully flexible, allowing time for prayer, reflection and travel at your own pace.
