Częstochówka

National shrine of Poland.
Believed to have been painted sometime between the 8the and 12th centuries it was brought from Ruthenia (Ukraine) in 1382 and entrusted the Pauline monks.
In 1439 it was renovated and repainted in a more gothic style after it was damaged by Czech Hussites. This is when it went dark as the different paints reacted.
In 1655 the monastery was besieged by the Swedes but wasn’t taken after a 49 day siege. Our Lady was credited with the success and was crowned Queen of Poland.
Place is nuts as almost every kid in Poland gets brought here. Small chapel with the painting. Huge baroque basilica with we hope very repentant Polish teenagers. Groups of every other shape, size and nationality. Older monk mad sure we were directed to the gift shop. Somethings are the same everywhere.
Not a bad finish to Poland.Les mer