In the footsteps of the saints: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows in Poland
July 16, 2025
Join us for an extraordinary spiritual journey to one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in Poland - the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows on All Saints' Mountain in Nowa Ruda. This is a place where the sacred meets the profane and history intertwines with the present, offering pilgrims and tourists an unforgettable spiritual experience and breathtaking views of picturesque Lower Silesia. In this article, we will take you on a fascinating journey in the footsteps of the saints, discovering the charms of this unique place of worship and contemplation.
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Sanctuary at the top - a place for prayer and reflection
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, located on All Saints' Mountain, is a true architectural and spiritual gem of Lower Silesia. Located at 1 Najświętszej Marii Panny Avenue in Nowa Ruda, the sanctuary attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, offering them not only a place of prayer, but also an opportunity for deep reflection and contemplation surrounded by beautiful nature.
One of the most distinctive features of the shrine is the possibility of reaching it by two routes. For those who wish to have a deeper spiritual experience, we recommend entering on foot, following the steps along the Stations of the Cross. This route, while physically demanding, allows for a gradual calming and preparation for a visit to the holy site. For families with children or those with limited mobility, convenient car access is also available from the other side of the hill, where there is ample parking.
The temple itself, despite its small size, impresses with its charm and atmosphere. As one visitor noted: 'Nice church on the hill, it was used to film scenes in the TV series Signs. This is an interesting curiosity that may interest not only lovers of sacred architecture, but also fans of Polish cinematography.
However, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows is much more than just a beautiful building. It is first and foremost a place of living faith and deep spiritual experience. Many pilgrims emphasize the unique atmosphere in the sanctuary. As one of them reports: 'A beautiful spiritual place. Nice conversation with a hermit nun. The place is worth visiting'. This personal interaction with the resident nuns adds authenticity and depth to the visit, allowing a better understanding of the spiritual dimension of the place.
Attractions around the sanctuary - not only for pilgrims
The Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows is not only a place of prayer, but also a starting point for many fascinating excursions in the area. It is only a 10-minute walk from the top of All Saints' Mountain, where there is an observation tower offering a breathtaking panorama of Nowa Ruda and the surrounding area. This is the perfect place to appreciate the beauty of the Lower Silesian landscape and take souvenir photos.
For more active tourists, the sanctuary is the beginning of a green trail that will take you to St. Anne's Mountain in about an hour. There another attraction awaits us - a charming church and another observation tower. This route is an excellent option for families with children, combining elements of spiritual hiking with active recreation in nature.
It is worth noting that the tourist infrastructure around the sanctuary is very well developed. As one visitor notes: 'Both towers open 24 hours a day. (...) Further along the green trail you can walk for about an hour to St. Anne's Mountain. There a church and another observation tower'. This accessibility and variety of attractions means that a visit to the shrine can be part of a larger day trip, combining spiritual, cultural and natural elements.
One of the most moving elements of a visit to the shrine is the opportunity to light a candle for the souls of the dead. As one pilgrim describes it: 'for 2 zloty you light a light for the souls of the deceased, a smug nun said. This simple gesture allows for a moment of personal reflection and prayer, adding a deeper, personal dimension to the visit.
Also not to be overlooked is the fact that the shrine and its surroundings are extremely well-kept. 'The grounds are well-maintained, you can see the good caretaker,' one visitor notes. This attention to detail and aesthetics of the place makes a visit here pleasant not only for the spirit, but also for the eye.
Practical information for visitors
When planning a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows on All Saints' Mountain, there are some practical considerations to take into account that will help us fully enjoy this unique place.
First of all, be aware of the shrine's opening hours. As one visitor noted: 'Mass at 2 pm and then you can go inside.' While this may seem like an unusual time for a service, it is worth adjusting your itinerary to these hours if you want to be sure to visit the interior of the shrine. Unfortunately, outside of mass hours, the shrine may be closed, as another tourist's account confirms: 'I was here on Sunday after 7pm. Closed to the four triggers'.
For those planning a longer stay in the area, consider visiting the shrine in conjunction with other attractions. The Way of the Cross leading up to the shrine offers not only a spiritual experience, but also beautiful views of Nowa Ore Slupiec. As one pilgrim describes: 'going down the red trail the way of the cross and beautiful views of Nowa Ruda Slupiec.
If you plan to arrive by car, the good news is that there is ample parking in front of the shrine. This makes access much easier for families with children or the elderly. However, it is worth remembering that during the summer season or during important religious holidays, the place can be very popular, so it is recommended to arrive well in advance.
For those interested in learning more about the history and significance of the shrine, we recommend talking to the nuns who take care of the place. Their knowledge and experience can greatly enrich our visit, adding a personal dimension to it.
It is also worth remembering to dress appropriately. As a place of religious worship, the shrine requires appropriate attire that shows respect for the sanctity of the place.
In conclusion, the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows on All Saints' Mountain is a place that combines a deep spiritual experience with beautiful views and the rich history of the region. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual tranquility or a tourist interested in the culture and nature of Lower Silesia, this place has much to offer. Keeping in mind the practical aspects of a visit, we can fully enjoy this unique place, which is sure to leave us with unforgettable impressions and make us reflect on the beauty of faith and nature.
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