Licheń Stary: Basilica, Golgotha and Lake Licheń

Licheń Stary between the Basilica and Golgotha

The Basilica of Licheń was built between 1994 and 2004 and is Poland’s largest sacred building. Its period of construction and its size make it a clear architectural focal point of the town.

Licheń Stary is also home to Golgotha, a 25-metre-high hill built from stone and concrete. Labyrinthine passageways, grottoes, chapels, figures and reliefs shape its design. A winding path leads to the summit and is used for quiet reflection during pilgrimages. As a result, alongside viewing imposing buildings, a visit also offers a quieter, contemplative dimension.

Churches, organ and museum

The Church of St Dorothy in Licheń Stary is a Neo-Gothic parish church founded by the Kwilecki family. It dates from 1854. The presbytery was added in 1872, the sacristy and vestibule in 1903; in 1978, the church was rebuilt and extended. Its construction history reveals several periods in the same church building.

The Basilica of Licheń also has a special musical feature: The organ ensemble bears the name of Saint John Paul II and is currently the largest organ ensemble in Poland and the fourth-largest in Europe. It can be heard during every Holy Mass and at scheduled concerts. The Józef Jarzębowski Museum in Licheń Stary also holds more than ten thousand exhibits, expanding the cultural focus with an extensive collection.

Visits and seasonal days at the lake

The Papal Apartments in Licheń Stary can only be visited with a guide and free of charge. On weekdays, visits are possible by prior arrangement with the Pilgrim Services Office. This access therefore clearly differs from the freely accessible architectural and outdoor areas and should be included in your daily planning if you would like to visit this part of town.

A different time frame applies at the beach in Licheń Stary: Lake Licheń has a seasonal bathing area. It operates from 1 July to 31 August, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This complements the churches, museum and Golgotha with a waterside activity whose period is expressly limited to the summer months.

This creates a combination of architecture, religious sites, a museum, a winding path and a seasonal stay by the lake for your planning. In Licheń Stary, you can focus on different aspects: a cultural and historical visit, a quiet walk up Golgotha, music in the basilica or time at Lake Licheń. You can take the various themes into account when choosing the length of your trip and your daily schedule.

If you are looking for accommodation in Licheń Stary, you can first determine which of these areas of the town is particularly important for your travel plans.

Further destinations for your trip to Poland: Jabłonka, Osowce, Ślesin, Brzeźno, Konin, Świętne, Sompolinek, Grodziec.

To the overarching travel overview: Konin.