The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Gietrzwałd, Poland
Nestled among the gentle hills of Warmia in northeastern Poland, this small village became the site of an extraordinary encounter between heaven and earth in the summer of 1877. From June 27 to September 16 of that year, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to two young girls—thirteen-year-old Justyna Szafryńska and twelve-year-old Barbara Samulowska—speaking to them in Polish and calling the faithful to pray the Rosary daily. These remain the only Marian apparitions in Poland to receive official Church approval, making Gietrzwałd (German: Dietrichswalde) one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimage destinations in Central Europe.
The sanctuary draws approximately one million pilgrims annually who come to venerate the 16th-century miraculous painting of Our Lady of Gietrzwałd, pray at the Chapel of the Apparitions, walk the Rosary path lined with fifteen chapels, and draw water from the spring blessed by the Blessed Virgin during the apparitions. The neo-Gothic basilica, with its soaring red-brick tower visible across the Warmian landscape, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Polish people and the spiritual fruits that continue to flow from Mary's visit to this humble village.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Gietrzwałd was founded in 1352 within the dominions of the Teutonic Order and received its parish dedication to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 31, 1500. Marian devotion flourished here long before the apparitions—a pietà dated to 1425 remains the oldest witness to Marian veneration in the village, and a miraculous image of the Madonna with Child, painted by an unknown artist in the second half of the 16th century, drew pilgrims from across Warmia.
The summer of 1877 transformed this quiet parish into one of the world's great Marian sanctuaries. On June 27, Justyna Szafryńska was walking home from church with her mother after passing her catechism examination when the Angelus bells rang. As she prayed, a brilliant light appeared above a maple tree near the church, revealing a beautiful lady seated on a throne, surrounded by angels, with the Child Jesus in her arms. The following day, Barbara Samulowska also witnessed the apparition while praying the Rosary at the foot of the same tree.
When the girls asked who she was, the Lady replied in Polish: "Jestem Najświętsza Maryja Panna Niepokalanie Poczęta" ("I am the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculately Conceived"). Asked what she desired, Our Lady responded simply: "Życzę sobie, abyście codziennie odmawiali różaniec" ("I wish you to pray the Rosary every day"). She also requested a chapel with a statue of the Immaculate Conception be built at the site of the apparitions.
That the Blessed Virgin spoke Polish carried profound significance—the language had been banned in schools throughout the region, and Catholics faced considerable pressure to abandon their faith and heritage. Word of the apparitions spread rapidly, and pilgrims began streaming to Gietrzwałd. The local bishop, Filip Krementz, initiated an investigation. Three physicians examined the visionaries during the apparitions, documenting that their pulse slowed, their extremities cooled, and their gaze remained fixed—physiological changes that could not be explained naturally.
The apparitions reached their climax during the three-day celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary from September 7-9, 1877, when approximately 50,000 pilgrims gathered in this small village. On September 8, Our Lady blessed a nearby spring, and pilgrims have attributed healing properties to its waters ever since. The final apparition occurred on September 16, when the Blessed Virgin blessed a statue of herself in the new chapel and departed with the words: "Odmawiajcie gorliwie Różaniec!" ("Pray the Rosary zealously!").
Following the apparitions, Father Augustyn Weichsel, pastor of Gietrzwałd for forty years, promoted the devotion despite numerous court trials and fines. The church was significantly enlarged between 1878 and 1884 under architect Arnold Güldenpfennig, harmoniously connecting the medieval Gothic structure with a new neo-Gothic expansion. On September 10, 1967, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, Primate of Poland, crowned the miraculous image with papal crowns granted by Pope Paul VI. On February 2, 1970, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the dignity of a Minor Basilica.
The centennial celebrations of September 1977 marked a watershed moment. Bishop Józef Drzazga of Warmia formally recognized the apparitions as worthy of belief and in compliance with Christian faith and morality. Cardinal Karol Wojtyła—soon to become Pope John Paul II—presided over the celebrations. Since 1945, the Canons Regular of the Lateran have served as guardians of the sanctuary.
One of the visionaries, Barbara Samulowska, entered the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and served as a missionary in Guatemala for over fifty years until her death in 1950. Her cause for beatification was opened in 2005, and she now bears the title Servant of God.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Gietrzwałd
The sanctuary complex sits on a gentle hill in the center of the village, enclosed by a stone wall with forged metal spans. The grounds encompass the basilica, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Rosary path with fifteen chapels, the miraculous spring, the Stations of the Cross, the Chapel of Saint Joseph, and the Pilgrim House.
Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Local Name: Bazylika Narodzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
Address: ul. Klasztorna 1, 11-036 Gietrzwałd, Poland
GPS Coordinates: 53.7481500, 20.2357200
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Website: sanktuariummaryjne.pl
Dedication: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Historical Note:
The first wooden chapel was erected shortly after the village's founding in 1352. A brick and stone Gothic church was built before 1500 and consecrated on March 31 of that year by Bishop Jan Wilde, suffragan of Warmia. The church was significantly expanded between 1878 and 1884 following the apparitions, when architect Arnold Güldenpfennig designed a neo-Gothic addition that seamlessly connected with the medieval structure. The soaring red-brick tower dominates the Warmian landscape and can be seen from miles away.
Spiritual Importance:
The basilica houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Gietrzwałd in the main altar—a 16th-century painting of the Hodegetria type depicting Mary holding the Child Jesus, surrounded by angels bearing a Latin inscription: "Ave Regina Caelorum, Ave Domina Angelorum" ("Hail, Queen of Heaven, Hail, Queen of Angels"). This image, mentioned as early as 1583 by Bishop Marcin Kromer, was first crowned in 1717 and received papal crowns in 1967. The interior is adorned with beautiful polychromes, frescoes, and Marian-themed paintings that create an atmosphere of profound devotion.
Chapel of the Apparitions
Local Name: Kaplica Objawień
GPS Coordinates: 53.7483200, 20.2354800
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Historical Note:
The original maple tree upon which the Blessed Virgin appeared was destroyed by lightning. In its place stands a small chapel housing a statue of the Immaculate Conception, built in accordance with Our Lady's request during the apparitions. The chapel has been rebuilt several times over the years and remains a distinctive element of the Warmian landscape.
Spiritual Importance:
Pilgrims traditionally begin their visit here, at the very spot where heaven touched earth in 1877. The statue of Our Lady recalls her words identifying herself as the Immaculately Conceived and her maternal request for daily Rosary prayer. Many pilgrims kneel here to recite the Rosary before processing to the basilica and spring.
The Miraculous Spring
Local Name: Cudowne Źródło
GPS Coordinates: 53.7487500, 20.2349100
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Historical Note:
On September 8, 1877, during the apparition that coincided with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady blessed this spring. The source is located approximately 300 meters behind the basilica, reached by a hornbeam alley lined with fifteen Rosary chapels sculpted by Julian Kasprzycki from Myślenice.
Spiritual Importance:
Pilgrims have attributed healing properties to the spring's waters since 1877. A covered well with a pump allows visitors to draw water for their own containers. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, though it is most crowded during summer months and on feast days. Benches surround the spring for rest and prayer, and a statue of Our Lady stands nearby.
Stations of the Cross
Local Name: Droga Krzyżowa
GPS Coordinates: 53.7475000, 20.2340000
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Historical Note:
The outdoor Stations of the Cross are located in forested grounds near the sanctuary. They were built in the early 21st century and consecrated following extensive renovations of the sanctuary grounds.
Spiritual Importance:
The wooded setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for meditating on Christ's Passion. The stations complement the Marian focus of the sanctuary, recalling that Mary stood beneath the Cross and that devotion to her leads always to her Son.
Chapel of Saint Joseph
Local Name: Kaplica św. Józefa
GPS Coordinates: 53.7480000, 20.2351000
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Historical Note:
This votive chapel was built in 1877, immediately after the apparitions, as an act of thanksgiving. It stands near the rectory on the western side of the sanctuary grounds.
Spiritual Importance:
The chapel honors Saint Joseph as patron of the universal Church and protector of families. It provides a quieter space for prayer and reflection away from the larger basilica.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
September 8 – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The principal feast of the sanctuary commemorates the day when 50,000 pilgrims gathered during the 1877 apparitions and Our Lady blessed the spring. Masses are celebrated throughout the day, and pilgrims process from the Chapel of the Apparitions to the basilica and spring.
June 27 – Anniversary of the First Apparition
Basilica and Chapel of the Apparitions. Pilgrims gather to commemorate the beginning of the apparitions, when Justyna Szafryńska first saw the Blessed Virgin above the maple tree as the Angelus bells rang.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Dom Pielgrzyma im. Jana Pawła II
📍 Address: ul. Kościelna, 11-036 Gietrzwałd, Poland
🌐 Website: sanktuariummaryjne.pl
The official pilgrim house of the sanctuary offers 120 beds in rooms of various standards. Located adjacent to the basilica, it provides the most convenient accommodation for pilgrims wishing to participate fully in the sanctuary's spiritual life. Conference facilities and parking available.
DOMUS MARIAE Gietrzwałd
📍 Address: 11-036 Gietrzwałd, Poland
🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com
Modern guesthouse with garden, free private parking, restaurant, and barbecue facilities. Located within the village, approximately 12 miles from Olsztyn.
PILGRIM domek gościnny
📍 Address: Gietrzwałd, Poland
🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com
Charming guest house in Gietrzwałd offering comfortable accommodations for pilgrims and visitors.
Apartamenty Gietrzwałd
📍 Address: 11-036 Gietrzwałd, Poland
🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com
Self-catering apartments with garden and free private parking, ideal for families or small groups seeking independence during their pilgrimage.
Hotels in Olsztyn
The regional capital of Olsztyn, approximately 18 km northeast of Gietrzwałd, offers a wider range of hotels for pilgrims preferring urban accommodation. Regular bus service connects the two locations.
🚗 Getting There
By Air:
The nearest international airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), approximately 220 km south. From Warsaw, take the S7/E77 expressway north toward Olsztyn (approximately 2.5-3 hours by car). Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is approximately 180 km northwest.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is in Biesal, approximately 5 km from Gietrzwałd. Trains run from Olsztyn and other major cities to nearby stations. From the station, taxis or buses can transport pilgrims to the sanctuary.
By Bus:
Regular bus service connects Gietrzwałd with Olsztyn and Ostróda. Buses depart from Olsztyn Bus Station and take approximately 30-40 minutes.
By Car:
From Warsaw: Take the S7/E77 north toward Olsztyn, then follow National Road 16 west toward Ostróda. Gietrzwałd is signposted from the main road. From Gdańsk: Take the S7 south toward Elbląg, then continue on the S7 toward Olsztyn and follow signs to Gietrzwałd. Ample parking is available at the sanctuary.
Local Transport:
The sanctuary complex is compact and easily walkable. The path from the basilica to the miraculous spring is approximately 300 meters through the Rosary alley.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Articles & Online Resources:
🎥 Recommended Videos
🔗 Useful Links
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Święta Lipka – Approximately 55 km northeast, this magnificent Baroque sanctuary houses one of northern Europe's most enchanting Marian shrines, famous for its miraculous statue and historic organ concerts.
Olsztyn – The regional capital, 18 km northeast, features the medieval Castle of the Warmian Bishops and the Gothic Cathedral of Saint James.
Stoczek Klasztorny (Springborn) – Approximately 40 km east, this sanctuary of Our Lady of Springborn is another significant Warmian pilgrimage site, where Cardinal Wyszyński was imprisoned from 1953-1954.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Życzę sobie, abyście codziennie odmawiali różaniec!"
"I wish you to pray the Rosary every day!"
— Words of Our Lady to Barbara Samulowska and Justyna Szafryńska, Gietrzwałd, June 30, 1877-en.html)