Our spiritual journey begins with two of Poland's most famous shrines: Jasna Góra in Czestochowa and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lichen.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Jasna Góra is the heart of Polish Catholicism. It is located at 2 Fr. Augustine Kordecki Street in Częstochowa. It is the place where the miraculous image of the Black Madonna is kept, which attracts millions of pilgrims every year. To get to Jasna Gora, it is best to use the A1 highway, exit for Czestochowa. There is a large parking lot for pilgrims (paid, seasonal prices).

The sanctuary is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a fee for visiting the museum and treasury (see the sanctuary website for current prices). For families with children, we recommend a guided tour, which will give an interesting account of the history and significance of the place. There is also a cafe and restaurant on the shrine grounds, where you can relax and enjoy a meal.

The next point of our trip is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń, located at 4 Klasztorna Street in Licheń Stary. This is the largest shrine in Poland, impressive in its size and rich decor. The most convenient way to get there is by national road No. 92, and then by provincial road No. 263. A large, free parking lot awaits on site.

The Sanctuary in Licheń is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. It is worth planning at least a couple of hours to visit not only the basilica, but also the vast religious complex with its numerous chapels, Golgotha and miraculous spring. Children may find it particularly appealing to climb the observation tower (paid, current prices on the shrine's website), which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Both shrines offer the possibility of staying overnight in pilgrim houses, which can be a good option for families planning a longer stay. Remember to dress appropriately - shoulders and knees should be covered.

Our spiritual journey now takes us to the south of Poland, to two unique shrines: Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Tura Śląska.

The Passion and Marian Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, located at 46 Bernardyńska Street, is not only a place of worship, but also a UNESCO monument. The most convenient way to get there is via national road 52 from Krakow or Bielsko-Biala. There is a large, free parking lot on site.

The sanctuary is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free, but a fee may be charged for visiting some of the sites (see the sanctuary's website for current prices). Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a complex of dozens of chapels and churches scattered on picturesque hills. For families with children, we recommend a walk along the Calvary Roads - this is not only a spiritual experience, but also an opportunity for active outdoor recreation. It's worth planning a whole day for sightseeing, so you can wander all the paths in peace and enjoy the beautiful views.

Near the sanctuary there are many restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy a meal. For those planning a longer stay, there are numerous guesthouses and agritourism farms in the area.

The next point of our trip is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Turza Slaska, located at 15 Tysiąclecia St. This place, known as the 'Silesian Fatima', attracts pilgrims with its unusual atmosphere and beautiful location. Access is best by provincial road No. 932, and there is a parking lot for pilgrims at the shrine.

The sanctuary in Tura Slaska is open daily, but the hours may change depending on the season, so it is worth checking the updated information on the website before arriving. Admission is free. We especially recommend visiting every 13th of the month from May to October, when solemn Fatima services are held.

Families with children may find it interesting to visit the park surrounding the shrine, where the Stations of the Cross are located. This is an excellent opportunity to combine prayer with a short walk in the fresh air. There are also places to rest and eat near the shrine.

Both Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Turza Śląska offer not only spiritual experiences, but also the opportunity to commune with beautiful nature and landscapes. This is an ideal way to combine a pilgrimage with a family vacation.

In the last part of our spiritual journey, we will visit three lesser-known but equally fascinating shrines: Leśniów, Gietrzwałd and Trzebnica.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Leśniów is located at 99 Leśniowska Street in Zarki. This charming place, known for its miraculous statue of the Mother of God, attracts pilgrims with its peaceful atmosphere. Access is most convenient by provincial road No. 789, and there is free parking at the shrine.

The sanctuary is open daily, but the hours may change, so it is worth checking up-to-date information before arriving. Admission is free. Families with children may find it particularly attractive to visit the gardens adjacent to the sanctuary, with numerous statues and fountains. There is also a mini zoo on the grounds, which is sure to appeal to the little ones. During the summer season, plan a picnic in the beautiful surroundings of the sanctuary.

Our next destination is the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gietrzwald, located at 4 Kościelna St. This is the only place in Poland where Marian apparitions have been recognized by the Church. The best way to get there is by national road No. 16. There is a parking lot for pilgrims at the basilica.

The Gietrzwald sanctuary is open daily. Admission is free of charge. We especially recommend a walk to the miraculous spring, where, according to tradition, the water has healing properties. Families with children may find it interesting to visit the parish museum, where you can learn about the history of the apparitions. There are many agritourism farms in the area, which may be a good option for families planning a longer stay.

The last point of our spiritual journey is the Sanctuary of St. Jadwiga of Silesia in Trzebnica, located at 3 John Paul II Square. This is a place with a rich history, associated with the figure of St. Jadwiga, patroness of Silesia. Access is most convenient by provincial road 340, and there is a parking lot for visitors at the shrine.

The sanctuary is open daily. Admission is free of charge. It is worth visiting not only the basilica, but also the adjacent monastery, where the St. Hedwig museum is located. For families with children, a walk through the picturesque monastery gardens is recommended. Near the sanctuary there are many restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy a meal.

These three shrines, although less well-known than their famous counterparts, offer an unforgettable spiritual experience in a peaceful atmosphere. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the less traveled paths of Polish spirituality and enjoy the beauty of local architecture and nature.

Keep in mind that proper attire and silence are required when visiting the shrines. It's also a good idea to check the times of masses and services so you can fully participate in the spiritual life of these unique places. Our trip to the Polish shrines is not only a pilgrimage, but also a fascinating lesson in history and culture that will remain in the memory of the whole family for a long time.