Klasztor franciszkanów-reformatów i kościół Stygmatów św. Franciszka w Wieliczce, Franciscan monastery and church in Wieliczka, Poland
The monastery is a Baroque complex in Wieliczka with a quadrilateral layout surrounding an inner garden, expanded by a two-story novitiate building added in 1928. Today the grounds house educational facilities, including a private secondary school occupying the former novitiate structure.
King Sigismund III Vasa founded this first brick Reformed Franciscan church in Lesser Poland between 1624 and 1626, financed through salt mining revenues. The completion established one of the earliest Reformed Franciscan monasteries in the region.
The church displays a 17th-century painting of Our Lady of Grace on sandstone that was blessed by papal coronation in 1995, continuing to serve as a focus for local worship. This work holds special meaning for those who visit to pray or observe religious ceremonies.
The complex is easily accessible from the center of Wieliczka, with ample space to explore the outer grounds and garden areas. Visitors should be aware that much of the interior functions as active school buildings, so access may be limited to designated pathways.
The grounds contain Portiuncula, an exact replica of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels that Saint Francis received from Benedictine monks. This copy allows visitors to experience a sacred setting linked to the very origins of the Franciscan order.
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