Piekary Calvary Complex in Piekary Śląskie

The Piekary Calvary is a pilgrimage complex on Cerekwica hill in Piekary Śląskie. It consists of the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord, chapels marking the stations of the road of the arrest and of the Way of the Cross, and a wall with Rosary chapels. It forms part of the shrine of Our Lady of Justice and Social Love, and the chapels (34 in total) and the church were entered in the heritage register in 1995.

Origins

The originator was the parish priest Bernard Purkop, who in 1866-1871 bought up and exchanged plots of land on the hill. The plan envisaged many chapels and a large church, but only the Holy Sepulchre and five other chapels were built, and work slowed down in the 1870s. After Purkop's death construction was taken up in 1888 by Fr Leopold Nerlich, who rebuilt some of the earlier chapels and replaced others with new ones. The author of the plan is generally believed to be the Franciscan Father Władysław (Edward Schneider), while the actual designs were prepared by the architect Paul Jackisch. The church was built in 1891-1893, finishing work continued until 1895, and the whole complex was consecrated on 21 June 1896. The sculptures were made by, among others, Johannes Baumeister of Wrocław, and the group “Before Pilate” by Heinrich Fleige of Münster.

Layout

The route begins at the chapel of St Raphael the Archangel on Rajski Square by the parish church. Further on lead the stations of the road of the arrest, chapels including those of St Stephen, the Finding of the Cross and the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, and the stations of the Way of the Cross. Stations XI-XIII are placed on the façade of the calvary church, and 15 Rosary chapels adjoin the surrounding wall. A monument to John Paul II stands by the main entrance.

Pilgrimages

Between the wars two annual pilgrimages by social group took shape: one for women and young women, and one for men and young people. They are attended by about 100-150 thousand pilgrims, mainly from Upper Silesia. Before the men's pilgrimage, scholarly symposia are held on the problems of Upper Silesia.

Nearby

The calvary lies not far from the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Bartholomew, and further afield is the Silesian Botanical Garden in Radzionków.

Practical information

• Address: ks. Jerzego Popiełuszki, Piekary Śląskie.
• This is shrine grounds; during pilgrimages and services the rules set by the parish apply, and it is worth checking them before a visit.