The young priest from Kraków first came to these mountains in the 1950s, seeking refuge from communist surveillance and communion with God in nature. He hiked the trails, said Mass in shepherds' huts, and kayaked the mountain lakes with friends and students. Decades later, when Karol Wojtyła became Pope John Paul II, his love for the Tatras was known throughout the world—and when an assassin's bullet nearly killed him in St. Peter's Square, the faithful of Zakopane built a shrine to Our Lady of Fatima on the slopes he had walked, thanking the Virgin for saving their pope's life.
Zakopane is no ordinary mountain resort. Beneath the jagged peaks of the High Tatras, where Poland meets Slovakia at its southernmost point, this town blends the distinctive culture of the górale (highland people) with a Catholic spirituality shaped by isolation, hardship, and the grandeur of creation. The wooden churches here bear no resemblance to the Gothic cathedrals of the plains—they were built by craftsmen who carved every beam and panel, creating a style now recognized as "Zakopane architecture" and protected as national heritage.
Pilgrims come for the shrine at Krzeptówki, but they stay to experience a faith lived at altitude: churches where incense mingles with pine-scented air, processions that wind up mountain paths, and a community whose religious identity survived communism through stubborn devotion. Whether you come to pray at the Fatima shrine, attend Mass in a wooden masterpiece, or simply find God in the silence of the peaks, Zakopane offers a pilgrimage unlike any other.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The Tatras were settled late in Polish history. Zakopane remained a scattered collection of shepherds' huts until the nineteenth century, when artists and intellectuals discovered its wild beauty. The physician Tytus Chałubiński promoted the mountain air as therapeutic, and by the 1880s, Zakopane had become a fashionable destination for Poland's cultural elite.
The distinctive wooden architecture developed through the work of Stanisław Witkiewicz, who synthesized górale folk traditions with modern design principles. His "Zakopane style" influenced church construction throughout the region—most notably the Church of the Holy Family (1896), where carved wooden saints look down from beamed ceilings and the altar rises like a mountain peak.
The górale maintained fierce Catholic devotion even as lowland Poland faced religious persecution. During the partitions (1795-1918) and communist era (1945-1989), the mountain communities preserved traditional practices: pilgrimages to Ludźmierz, processions on Corpus Christi, and veneration of local wayside shrines. This highland faith impressed the young Father Wojtyła, who found in the górale a religious authenticity that reinforced his own convictions.
John Paul II's connection to Zakopane spanned his entire adult life. As a priest and bishop, he organized "Środowisko" groups—informal gatherings of young Catholics who hiked, kayaked, and discussed philosophy far from government informers. The mountains became his spiritual retreat. After his election as pope, he returned whenever possible, and his famous greeting "Szczęść Boże, górale!" ("God bless you, highlanders!") remains a cherished memory.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at Krzeptówki arose directly from gratitude for the pope's survival. On May 13, 1981—the anniversary of the first Fatima apparition—Mehmet Ali Ağca shot John Paul II four times in St. Peter's Square. The pope credited the Virgin of Fatima with deflecting the bullet that should have killed him. The faithful of the Zakopane region responded by building a shrine that would combine Fatima devotion with górale architectural traditions.
The shrine, designed by Stanisław Tylka in neo-Zakopane style, was consecrated in 1992. It houses a statue of Our Lady of Fatima blessed by John Paul II and contains relics of the pope alongside items associated with the assassination attempt. Today it serves as the spiritual center of the Tatras and a destination for pilgrims who wish to honor both the Virgin and her devoted son.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Zakopane
National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at Krzeptówki
Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Fatimskiej na Krzeptówkach
The modern shrine rises on a hillside overlooking Zakopane, its twin towers and white walls visible throughout the valley. The interior combines traditional górale woodworking with contemporary design, creating a space that honors both regional heritage and the universal Fatima message.
The main altar features a statue of Our Lady of Fatima surrounded by representations of the three shepherd children—Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. Side chapels contain relics of St. John Paul II and memorabilia from his many visits to Zakopane. The Blessed Sacrament chapel offers perpetual adoration.
Outside, the shrine grounds include a replica of the Fatima Cova da Iria, Stations of the Cross adapted to the mountain setting, and meditation paths with views of the Tatra peaks. Annual celebrations on May 13 draw enormous crowds.
Church of the Holy Family (Old Church)
Kościół Świętej Rodziny (Stary Kościółek)
This wooden church, built in 1847 and expanded in 1896, represents the Zakopane style at its finest. Every surface bears carved ornamentation—geometric patterns, floral motifs, and images of highland life blend with sacred iconography. The painted ceiling depicts scenes from the life of the Holy Family against a backdrop of Tatra peaks.
The church served as Zakopane's main parish until the new Parish Church was built. Today it functions as a chapel of reflection and hosts smaller liturgies. The interior is best experienced in morning light, when sun streaming through the windows illuminates the carved wood.
Parish Church of the Holy Family
Kościół Parafialny Świętej Rodziny
The larger parish church, built in the early twentieth century and expanded since, serves as Zakopane's main place of worship. While less architecturally distinctive than the old wooden church, it accommodates the town's growing Catholic population and hosts major liturgical celebrations.
John Paul II celebrated Mass here during his visits, and a plaque commemorates his presence. The church serves as a gathering point for pilgrimages to the Fatima shrine and the starting point for processions.
Chapel on Gubałówka Hill
Kaplica na Gubałówce
A small chapel crowns Gubałówka, the popular viewpoint accessible by funicular from Zakopane center. The chapel serves hikers and tourists who pause to pray before the panorama of the High Tatras. Mass is occasionally celebrated here, particularly during summer pilgrimage season.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Morskie Oko
Sanktuarium Matki Bożej od Morskiego Oka
High in the Tatras, near the famous lake Morskie Oko, a small chapel serves mountaineers and hikers. The site commemorates those who have died in the mountains and provides a place of prayer in the wilderness. The difficult access (several hours of hiking) makes this a true pilgrimage.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Anniversary of the Fatima Apparition — May 13
The main pilgrimage to the Krzeptówki shrine commemorates the first apparition at Fatima in 1917 and, since 1981, the assassination attempt on John Paul II. Tens of thousands gather for outdoor Mass, candlelight processions, and all-night vigils.
Assumption of Mary — August 15
The highland communities celebrate the Assumption with particular fervor. Processions in traditional górale costume wind through Zakopane's streets, and outdoor Masses are celebrated at mountain chapels.
Feast of the Holy Family — Sunday after Christmas
The patronal feast of Zakopane's main parish draws families for blessing and rededication to Christian family life.
Górale Pilgrimage to Ludźmierz — August (varies)
The annual pilgrimage on foot from Zakopane to nearby Ludźmierz (approximately 25 km) continues a tradition dating back centuries. Pilgrims in traditional dress carry banners and sing górale hymns.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Grand Hotel Stamary ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic hotel dating from the 1900s, combining Zakopane architectural traditions with modern comfort. Central location on Kościuszki Street with restaurant and spa. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Hotel & Spa & Aquapark & Wellness & Conference Center Czarny Potok ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Large resort complex with extensive wellness facilities. Located slightly outside the center, offering mountain views and family-friendly amenities. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Mercure Kasprowy Zakopane ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel at the base of the Kasprowy Wierch cable car. Comfortable rooms, restaurant, and spa with easy access to mountain trails. Reserve this hotel
Dom Turysty PTTK (pilgrim hostel) — Budget accommodation operated by the Polish Tourist Society. Simple rooms in a central location, popular with hikers and budget pilgrims. Website
Górale Guesthouses (guesthouse) — Numerous family-run pokoje gościnne throughout Zakopane offer authentic highland hospitality at modest prices. Ask at the tourist information center for recommendations.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is approximately 110 km north. Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport (KTW) is approximately 150 km north. Both connect to Zakopane by bus and car.
By Train: Zakopane has a railway station with connections to Kraków (approximately 3.5-4 hours via scenic mountain route). The train journey through the foothills is beautiful but slow; buses are faster.
By Bus: Regular buses connect Zakopane to Kraków (approximately 2 hours), Warsaw (approximately 6 hours), and regional centers. The bus station is located in the town center near Krupówki Street.
By Car: From Kraków, take Route 7 (Zakopianka) south through Myślenice and Nowy Targ (approximately 100 km, 2 hours). The road is scenic but can be congested on weekends and holidays. Parking in Zakopane is limited; many hotels offer private parking.
On Foot: The Fatima shrine at Krzeptówki is accessible from the town center via an uphill walk of approximately 30 minutes. The Morskie Oko chapel requires a full-day hike from the Palenica Białczańska car park.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Waldemar Kuligowski, Zakopane: The Art and Architecture of Poland's Mountain Resort — Comprehensive guide to Zakopane style and its cultural significance.
Aleksander Janta, The Tatra Mountains: A Guide for Hikers — Classic hiking guide with attention to mountain chapels and religious sites.
Online Resources:
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Zakopane — Official shrine website with pilgrimage information.
Tatra National Park — Official park website with trail information and regulations.
🎥 Recommended Videos
John Paul II in the Tatras — Archival footage of the pope's visits to his beloved mountains.
Zakopane Wooden Churches — Documentaries on górale religious architecture.
🔗 Useful Links
Fatima Shrine Zakopane — Mass schedules, pilgrimage planning, and shrine news.
Zakopane Parish — Parish information and liturgical calendar.
Tatra National Park — Trail maps, permits, and mountain safety information.
Zakopane Tourism — Municipal tourism information.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Pilgrimage to Ludźmierz — The traditional route from Zakopane to the Marian sanctuary at Ludźmierz (25 km) follows highland paths through górale villages. Usually walked in August.
St. John Paul II Trail — A marked trail connecting sites in the Tatras associated with the pope's hiking excursions. Includes the Kalatówki shelter, where he often stayed.
Marian Route of the Tatras — Regional pilgrimage route connecting Marian shrines throughout the Podhale region.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Ludźmierz (25 km) — The "Marian Capital of Podhale" with a miraculous statue of Our Lady, Queen of Podhale. John Paul II visited and crowned the image.
Wadowice (55 km) — Birthplace of Pope St. John Paul II, with the basilica of his baptism and family home museum.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (65 km) — UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "Polish Jerusalem" with Calvary chapels. Young Wojtyła walked here from Wadowice.
Kraków (100 km) — Divine Mercy Sanctuary, Wawel Cathedral, and the city where Wojtyła served as archbishop.
Stary Sącz (75 km) — Shrine of St. Kinga (Kunegunda), a medieval queen who founded the town's convent.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Let us thank the Lord for the mountains, which teach us to look upward, to the heights of the human spirit called to encounter God." — Pope St. John Paul II, Zakopane, June 6, 1997
