Jasna Góra Monastery (Klasztor na Jasnej Górze)
ul. o. A. Kordeckiego 2, Częstochowa, Poland, 42-225
Jasna Góra Monastery in Czestochowa is one of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites in Poland. Visitors from across Poland and around the world come to the monastery to see the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, also known as Our Lady of Czestochowa—a Gothic painting of the Virgin Mary associated with multiple miracles.
The Basics
Czestochowa’s Jasna Gora Monastery comprises several buildings, the centerpiece of which is the cathedral with several rooms and chapels, each marvelously decorated in Renaissance, Gothic and baroque styles. The Chapel of the Holy Virgin Mary showcases the Black Madonna icon, traditionally attributed to Luke.
When visiting Jasna Góra Monastery, tours generally include time to see the Black Madonna, the Pauline Monastery, and the on-site museum. Some tours include other regional highlights, such as the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Lagiewniki or Pieskowa Skala Castle. Day tours to Jasna Gora and the area typically depart from Krakow or Lodz and include round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
Jasna Góra Monastery is a must-visit for those interested in religion and spiritual sites.
About 14,000 people visit the monastery each day, so it can get crowded.
Being a site considered sacred by Catholics, visitors should be silent around the Black Madonna (Virgin Mary) shrine.
The monastery gift shop sells religious items and souvenirs.
The information center has useful information in multiple languages, including English.
The monastery is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The monastery is located in the small city of Czestochowa in south-central Poland, approximately two hours from Krakow. If you’re not visiting with a guided tour, you can take a train to Czestochowa’s main station and then get a taxi or a bus to Jasna Gora.
When to Get There
Jasna Góra Monastery is open from 5:30am to 8:30pm daily. Arrive early to see the Black Madonna before it is covered by a protective screen at noon. The monastery draws large crowds year-round; the busiest (and perhaps best to avoid) dates are Poland’s Catholic feasts, including May 3, August 15, August 26, and September 8.
Highlights of Jasna Góra
While many come to Jasna Góra Monastery just to see the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, there are plenty of beautiful structures within the monastery grounds worth exploring. Don’t miss the bell tower, Lubomirski Gate, Pauline Monastery, the treasury, the library, the stations of the cross, the Knights’ Chamber, and the nearby park. You can also buy souvenirs in the gift shop or visit the information center.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!