Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń)
Poland·Licheń Stary
The Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń is a major Catholic pilgrimage site located in Licheń Stary, Poland. It holds the distinction of being the largest church in Poland and one of the largest church buildings globally, known for its immense scale and the venerated icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland.
Key Facts
- ›The church was designed by Barbara Bielecka and constructed between 1994 and 2004.
- ›Its construction was entirely funded by donations from pilgrims.
- ›The basilica's tower reaches a height of 141.5 meters, making it one of the tallest church towers worldwide.
- ›Pope John Paul II elevated the shrine to the status of a minor basilica on February 25, 2005.
- ›It houses a significant icon of our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, believed to date from the 18th century.
- ›The basilica features one of the largest pipe organs in Poland, with 157 stops.
Icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland
Barbara Bielecka
About Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń)
The Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń
The Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń, also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń, stands as a monumental edifice in Licheń Stary, Poland. It is recognized as the largest church in Poland and ranks among the most substantial church buildings globally. This basilica serves as a principal pilgrimage site, drawing many faithful to venerate the icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland.
History and Construction
The origins of devotion leading to the basilica trace back to 1813, with a legend involving Tomasz Kłossowski, a wounded soldier who received a vision of the Virgin Mary. She instructed him to have her image made and placed in a public location for her people to pray before. The current basilica's construction was a significant undertaking, designed by Barbara Bielecka and carried out between 1994 and 2004. The entire project was made possible through the generous donations of pilgrims. Pope John Paul II blessed the basilica in 1999 and later elevated the shrine to the status of a minor basilica on February 25, 2005.
Architectural Significance
The Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń is notable for its colossal dimensions. It features a nave measuring 120 meters in length and 77 meters in width, crowned by a central dome soaring to a height of 98 meters. The basilica's prominent tower stands at an impressive 141.5 meters, making it one of the tallest church towers in the world. The church also houses one of the largest pipe organs in Poland, a 157-stop instrument built by Zych between 2002 and 2007. The icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, perhaps dating to the 18th century, is displayed on the main altar, forming the spiritual heart of the sanctuary.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń?
It is a large Catholic church and a significant pilgrimage destination in Licheń Stary, Poland. It is renowned for its immense size and its dedication to Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland.
When was the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń built?
Construction of the basilica took place between 1994 and 2004. It was designed by Barbara Bielecka and funded by pilgrims' donations.
What is the significance of the icon housed in the basilica?
The basilica displays an icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, which is believed to date from the 18th century. This icon is central to the devotion at the shrine.
Is the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń a major basilica?
No, it is a minor basilica. Pope John Paul II raised the shrine to this status on February 25, 2005.
How large is the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Poland, Licheń?
It is the largest church in Poland and one of the largest church buildings in the world. Its nave is 120 meters long and 77 meters wide, with a central dome 98 meters high and a tower of 141.5 meters.
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