Błyszcz, Mountain peak in Beskid Sądecki, Poland.
Błyszcz rises to 945 meters above sea level as a prominent peak in the main ridge of the Radziejowa Range, featuring steep forested slopes descending toward the Dunajec River and a cleared summit area with religious monuments.
On August 16, 1972, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, who later became Pope John Paul II, celebrated a memorable mass on the summit during stormy weather conditions, with participants using umbrellas to protect the stone altar from rain.
The summit serves as an important pilgrimage site where local communities gather for outdoor religious ceremonies, masses, and spiritual reflection around the papal altar and bust of John Paul II erected to commemorate his visit.
Hikers can reach the peak via marked trails from nearby villages like Łącko or Obidza, with ascents typically taking 4-5 hours through forested terrain that requires proper hiking equipment and preparation.
The mountain features a stone chapel with a papal altar and amphitheater-style seating arrangement on its cleared summit, creating an unusual combination of natural mountain environment and religious architecture.
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