The history of the sanctuary
Legend has it that in the 14th century a condemned prisoner from the jail in Kętrzyn carved a figure of the Virgin and Child on a lime tree growing in the forest. The figure was said to shine with light and work miracles — and the place became a goal for pilgrims. The first wooden chapel went up in the 15th century, but was pulled down again and again during the Reformation (Warmia was then partly Protestant).
The present Baroque basilica was built between 1687 and 1693 by the Jesuits (the architect was Jerzy Ertli). Over the following decades came the cloisters, the side chapels, the bell tower and the outer wrought-iron gate. The complex encloses a rectangular courtyard with four turrets at the corners — one of the most spectacular architectural compositions in Warmia.
In 1983 John Paul II granted the church the title of minor basilica. It is run today by the Jesuits, and thousands of pilgrims visit the sanctuary every year.
What to see inside
The miraculous organ with moving figures
The most famous feature of the basilica — the organ of 1721 built by Johann Josua Mosengel of Königsberg. It has some 5,000 pipes and, most spectacular of all, moving figures of angels, bells, stars and the Virgin which stir as it is played. The mechanism is unique in Europe.
Organ demonstrations for visitors are held daily in season (June to September, several times a day) — short pieces of about 15 minutes with the mechanism shown off. Tickets cost around 10–15 zł and are bought at the entrance.
The vault frescoes
The vaults of the basilica are covered with 18th-century illusionistic frescoes by Mateusz Mayer. They show biblical and allegorical scenes — seen from below they give an impression of depth and of three dimensions. It is one of the best examples of illusionistic painting in Poland.
The miraculous image of the Virgin
At the centre of the cult stands the Baroque painting of the Madonna of Święta Lipka in the high altar. It is surrounded by silver and gilded votive offerings left by pilgrims over the centuries.
The wrought-iron gate of the courtyard
The basilica is enclosed by cloisters on a rectangular plan with four chapels at the corners. The entrance on the western side is closed by a monumental wrought-iron gate of 1734, made by the Schwartz brothers of Reszel — held to be one of the finest pieces of artistic ironwork in Baroque Europe. It is richly worked with plant ornament, coats of arms and figures of saints.
The setting and the pilgrimages
The sanctuary stands in the small village of Święta Lipka (Reszel district) — literally a few houses around the basilica, a restaurant and shops selling devotional items. It is the site of an annual patronal feast on 2 July (the Visitation), when thousands of pilgrims gather.
The summer organ concerts on Sunday evenings (June to August) draw music lovers from all over Poland. Entry to the basilica outside service times is free, with donations welcome.
How to get there and practical info
- Address
- Święta Lipka 28, 11-440 Reszel
- From Mikołajki
- About 70 km, about 1 hour by car
- From Olsztyn
- About 70 km, about 1 hour
- Entry
- Free to the basilica, donations welcome
- Organ demonstration
- About 10–15 zł, daily in season
- Parking
- Free at the basilica
- Opening
- Daily 7:00–18:00 (longer in season)
When to go
Quiet, and most of the attractions are open from April. Excellent outside the feast day.
Crowds in July and August, pilgrimages on Sundays. Best visited on a weekday.
Wonderful for photographs — autumn colours around the basilica, fewer people.
The basilica is open all year, and the cloisters under snow are magical. Organ demonstrations are less frequent.
Other sights in Mazury
Straight-line distances from „The basilica at Święta Lipka" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The basilica at Święta Lipka within walking distance or a short drive.
