Two Marian sanctuaries. One inspiring journey through faith, history and the spiritual heart of northern Poland.
Two Marian sanctuaries. One inspiring journey through faith, history and the spiritual heart of northern Poland.
Discover two of Poland’s most remarkable Marian sanctuaries on one private journey from Warsaw. In Gietrzwałd, experience the peaceful atmosphere of the only Marian apparition site in Poland officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Then visit Święta Lipka, a magnificent Baroque sanctuary renowned for its miraculous image, richly decorated interior and extraordinary historic organ. Together, these two places offer a moving encounter with faith, history and the spiritual heritage of northern Poland.
According to medieval legend, a prisoner awaiting execution carved a figure of the Virgin Mary, despite never having learned the craft. Its beauty astonished the judges, who granted him freedom. He hung the statue on a linden tree, where pilgrims soon reported miracles. Today, a symbolic linden bearing an image of Mary stands inside the basilica on the traditional site of the original tree. It preserves the legend and explains the name Święta Lipka — “Holy Linden.”
Built between 1719 and 1721 by Johann Josua Mosengel, the magnificent Baroque organ of Święta Lipka is a masterpiece of music and craftsmanship. During its presentation, gilded angels play their instruments, figures move and the Madonna bows before the Archangel Gabriel. Accompanied by the powerful sound of the organ, this miniature sacred spectacle makes the whole instrument appear to come alive.
In 1877, the Virgin Mary appeared in Gietrzwałd to two young girls, Justyna Szafryńska and Barbara Samulowska. Speaking to them in Polish during a time of forced Germanisation, she called people to prayer and the daily recitation of the Rosary. Today, pilgrims gather beneath the maple tree where the apparitions took place. Gietrzwałd remains the only Marian apparition site in Poland officially recognized by the Catholic Church.
A private journey through the peaceful landscapes of northern Mazovia and Warmia, connecting the Marian apparitions of Gietrzwałd with the Baroque splendour and centuries-old legend of Święta Lipka.
BY CAR · PRIVATE JOURNEY
Starting in central Warsaw, the route leads first to Gietrzwałd and then to Święta Lipka. The journey between Warsaw and both sanctuaries covers approximately 307 km (191 miles) and takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes, passing through the landscapes of northern Mazovia and Warmia.
In Gietrzwałd, guests have time to visit the Basilica, the apparition chapel and the miraculous spring. The journey then continues to Święta Lipka, with its magnificent Baroque church, symbolic linden tree and famous moving organ.
With approximately two hours at each sanctuary and the return journey to Warsaw, the complete private tour usually lasts around 11–12 hours. The itinerary remains flexible, allowing time for sightseeing, personal prayer and a peaceful visit to both sacred places.
According to medieval legend, a prisoner awaiting execution in nearby Kętrzyn prayed to the Virgin Mary for one final night of hope. As he slept, Mary appeared to him and gave him a piece of wood and a small chisel, asking him to carve her image.
The man had never learned the art of carving, yet by morning a figure of extraordinary beauty rested in his hands. Astonished by what they saw, the judges regarded it as a sign from heaven and granted him his freedom.
On his way home, the grateful prisoner hung the figure on a linden tree beside the road. Travellers began stopping there to pray, and stories of answered prayers soon spread throughout the region. A chapel was built around the tree, followed centuries later by the magnificent Baroque sanctuary seen today.
Inside the basilica, a symbolic linden bearing an image of Mary stands on the traditional site of the original tree. It preserves the memory of the legend and explains the name Święta Lipka — “Holy Linden.”
A PLACE WHERE HOPE TOOK ROOT
In 1877, the Virgin Mary appeared beneath a maple tree near the church in Gietrzwałd to two village girls, Justyna Szafryńska and Barbara Samulowska.
At a time when the Polish language was suppressed under Prussian rule, Mary spoke to them in Polish. She asked people to pray the Rosary faithfully and offered a message of maternal care, hope and perseverance.
The apparitions transformed this quiet Warmian village into a place of pilgrimage. Today, Gietrzwałd remains the only Marian apparition site in Poland officially recognized by the Catholic Church.
“Pray the Rosary every day.”
Practical information about the Święta Lipka & Gietrzwałd Private Tour from Warsaw — travel time, prayer, organ presentations and what to expect during your journey.
Yes. Gietrzwałd is the only Marian apparition site in Poland officially recognized by the Catholic Church. The apparitions took place in 1877 and were witnessed by two young girls, Justyna Szafryńska and Barbara Samulowska.
Święta Lipka is one of Poland’s finest Baroque sanctuaries, known for its richly decorated basilica, painted vaults, historic cloisters and extraordinary pipe organ with moving figures. Its name — “Holy Linden” — comes from the medieval legend of a miraculous image of Mary placed on a linden tree.
Whenever the sanctuary schedule permits, we plan the visit around one of the organ presentations. During the performance, gilded figures and angels move while the historic instrument is played. Presentation times vary according to the season, religious services and special events, so the current schedule is checked before every tour.
Yes. If you would like to attend Holy Mass in Gietrzwałd or Święta Lipka, please let us know in advance. We will adapt the itinerary whenever possible, although Mass schedules may change on feast days and during special celebrations.
The complete private journey usually lasts approximately 11–12 hours, including transportation from Warsaw, visits to both sanctuaries and time for prayer or quiet reflection. The exact duration depends on traffic, seasonal schedules and the pace of your visit.
Yes. This is a completely private tour, so the pace and programme can be adjusted to your interests. We can allow more time for prayer, arrange the visit around Holy Mass or an organ presentation, or shorten individual stops when necessary.
What’s included
• Private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Warsaw
• Full-day assistance of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Visit to the Marian Apparition Site in Gietrzwałd
• Visit to the Basilica, Blessed Spring and Rosary Avenue
• Visit to the Baroque sanctuary of Święta Lipka
• Time to admire the famous moving pipe organ
• Historical, cultural and spiritual commentary throughout the journey
• Time for prayer, reflection and personal devotion
• Flexible itinerary adapted to your pace and interests
• Assistance with current Mass and organ presentation schedules
• Fuel, tolls and parking fees
• Private experience with no shared transportation
• Meals and personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)
• Holy Mass offerings and personal devotional donations (voluntary)
• Religious souvenirs, candles and devotional items
• Accommodation (this is a one-day tour)
• Additional services not mentioned in the itinerary
SWIETA LIPKA & GIETRZWAŁD PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE
Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a quiet, private journey with full comfort.
SWIETA LIPKA & GIETRZWAŁD PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE
A perfect solution for families or small groups traveling together, without compromising comfort.
SWIETA LIPKA & GIETRZWAŁD 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 Gietrzwałd, we will help you create a pilgrimage tailored to your needs.
From the apparitions of Gietrzwałd and the Baroque splendour of Święta Lipka, continue to Jasna Góra — Poland’s most revered Marian sanctuary — or discover a longer private pilgrimage connecting the country’s most important sacred places.
ONE-DAY PILGRIMAGE
Visit Poland’s most revered Marian sanctuary and stand before the miraculous Icon of the Black Madonna. This private journey from Warsaw offers time to explore the monastery, attend Holy Mass, witness the ceremonial unveiling of the Icon and experience the living spiritual traditions of Jasna Góra at your own pace.
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.
