Immaculate Conception church in Wigry

The Immaculate Conception Church in Wigry sits on two terraces at different heights, with retaining walls supporting the main building on the upper level. The structure displays a barrel-vaulted nave divided into three bays by arcades, with six side chapels containing altars throughout the interior.

The church was built between 1694 and 1745 under architect Pietro Putini as a religious center for the community. When the Camaldolese monks moved to Warsaw in 1800, the building took on the role of cathedral for the newly established Wigry diocese.

The church holds seven altars dedicated to various saints and devotions central to local worship practices. These altars reflect how the congregation has traditionally honored the Virgin Mary and other religious figures in their prayers.

Access to the church requires climbing one of the two terraces with steps and retaining walls that form the entry approach. Visiting during services or checking opening hours ahead of time ensures you can see the interior comfortably.

The main altar was reconstructed in 1962 using original stone fragments arranged to form an openwork sculpture of the Virgin Mary. This careful restoration shows how the community pieced together its religious heritage using elements from the past.

Location: Wigry, Suwałki County

GPS coordinates: 54.06883,23.08614

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08