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In 1750, a farmer's son named Christoph Veit (+1776), from neighbouring Wölfelsdorf (Polish: Wilkanów), brought a small statue of Mary carved from lime wood from the Austrian pilgrimage site of Mariazell. The maker of the statue, a copy of the miraculous image in Mariazell, is unknown. He hung the small statue on a branch of a large beech tree on the mountain named Spitziger Berg/Góra Igliczna. People from the surrounding area came to the statue on pilgrimage, reminding them of Mariazell. A small wooden chapel was subsequently built. In 1765, a storm destroyed the tree and the chapel, but the statue remained undamaged. This was seen as a sign from God. The statue was given a new place on the mountain. In 1776, a wooden chapel was built, in which the statue was placed to be venerated. This was on the site where the presbytery now stands. In 1777, a remarkable miracle occurred. A small boy fell into a large pit of freshly slaked lime and immediately lost the sight in his eyes. The parents prayed to Mary for her intercession with God so that their child could see again. The little boy regained his sight after prayers were offered at the statue. The next miracle concerned the healing of a miller's son. Millstones had crushed the boy's hand. By praying at the statue of Mary, the boy was healed. Shortly thereafter, more miracles occurred, and due to these miraculous events, the number of pilgrims increased significantly. As a result, the chapel became too small, and plans for a larger one were soon underway.
On 18 June 1781, the foundation stone of the current pilgrimage church was laid on a farmer's land. In that year, the pilgrimage site officially began. The church was a donation from Michael Wenzel von Althann (1743-1810). After the building was completed, a hermit managed the small place of worship.
On 22 October 1782, the consecration of the church was performed by Karl Winter (1733-1810), priest from 1767 to 1808 in Mittelwalde/Miedzylesie. He represented Anton Peter Prichovsky von Prichovice (1707-1793), Archbishop of Prague (1764-1793). After the example of the Roman basilica Maria Maggiore, the church was named “Maria Sniezna”/”Maria Schnee” (St. Mary Major).
In 1784 the church tower was built and in 1821 a porch was added to the church.
In 1821-1823, a calvary, with 14 stations, was constructed from the church to the mountain.
In 1897, a Baroque altar and the sculptural group “Coronation of Mary” were added to the church. The architect was Joseph Elsner (1845-1933). The statue of grace was placed in the altar.
The painted stained-glass windows were installed between 1903 and 1913. The frescoes of the “Annunciation of Mary” and “Visitation of Mary” are by the Austrian Wilhelm von Wörndle (1863-1927).
Karl Józef Wojtyła (1920-2005) visited the pilgrimage site of Maria Sniezna several times. On 7th July 1955, he, a priest, theologian, and philosopher, celebrated Mass there. As auxiliary bishop of Krakow (1958-1964), he did this again on 20th August 1961. On 10th August 1968, Wojtyła was in Maria Sniezna as archbishop of Krakow (1964-1978) and cardinal (1967-1978). On 21st June 1983, the miraculous image was crowned by John Paul II, pope from 1978 to 2005 and born in Poland as Karl Józef Wojtyla (1920-2005). The image received the title of “Cause of our Joy”. The coronation took place in Breslau/Wroclaw.
On 23 January 2019, the Holy See in Rome confirms that, at the request of Ignacy Dec (born 1944), Bishop of Świdnica/Schweidnitz (2004-2020), Mary is appointed patron saint of Góra Igliczna (Spitziger Berg).
Approximately 25,000 pilgrims visit the pilgrimage site annually.
The pilgrimage site is located beneath the summit of a mountain and is surrounded by forests. Several walking routes lead to the pilgrimage site.
The pilgrimage church displays a Baroque style. The statuette of Mary is housed in this church. The devotional image shows Mary with her Child on her left arm. Mary's dress is blue with a floral pattern and her Son is dressed in red. The statue has been dressed from the outset. Three angel heads are placed below. Two angels above Mary are holding a crown.
Maria is here the patron saint of everyone who wants to be healthy in body and mind, all who wish for a child, and all tourists and athletes.
In the choir ambulatory, many ex-votos have been placed, which were donated in gratitude to Mary.
In the cloister there is a museum that tells the history of the pilgrimage site. There is also a large nativity scene with figures to view here.
At the end of June, the annual procession from Wölfelsdorf/Wilkanów takes place to the pilgrimage site of Maria Śnieżna. The last Sunday in June is the festive commemoration of the coronation of the grace image on 21 June 1983.
Each year, 5 August is the feast of Maria della Neve. This is celebrated on the first Sunday of August.
Devotional items are for sale at the pilgrimage site and the shrine is accessible daily.
The pilgrimage site “Maria Sniezna” is located in Lower Silesia, almost 800 metres above sea level, below the 845-metre summit of Góra Igliczna. The last few kilometres to the Marian shrine are steeply ascending. Parking facilities are available approximately 400 metres from the sanctuary.
The address of the pilgrimage site:
Góra Igliczna 1, 57-500 Góra Igliczna.
More information can be found at www.sanktuariummariasniezna.pl and also at www.mariasniezna.pl.
After finding a parking space, I walk to the sanctuary and on a signpost, I read that it's still a little walk. I also learn that the pilgrimage church is located 781 metres above sea level. Furthermore, the distances to well-known pilgrimage sites, such as Mariazell and Gietrzwald, are stated. At this altitude, there is a beautiful view of the surroundings. What a wide view!
The pilgrimage site has several buildings and I will enter the church first. Here, pilgrims come to ask Mary for protection and advice. They also come here to obtain joy in their hearts.
The small devotional image stands in the reredos on the altar. I find that very fitting, namely “small is beautiful”.
In the stained-glass window of the chancel, I see the images of Mary's parents, namely Anne and Joachim.
In the church, I see many paintings, including a painting of the Annunciation with the angel's visit to Mary. In the ambulatory, ex-votos are displayed and the history of the pilgrimage site is told. A large Christmas scene is set up with many figurines.
To conclude, I will visit the little shop where items such as figurines, cards and lockets are for sale. It’s time to buy something to hand out when I get home. Then, my visit here will be over, and with beautiful, gained impressions, I will continue my journey.
In the vicinity of the pilgrimage site, numerous walks are possible and it is also a challenge for cyclists to be sporty in a hilly area.
From Międzygórze, it's 5 km to the northwest to get to Maria Śnieżna.
Departing from the pilgrimage site of Bardo/Wartha to arrive in Maria Sniezna means travelling 45 km southwards.
The distance from the pilgrimage site Wambierzyce/Albendorf is 55 km south-east to reach Maria Sniezna.
From the pilgrimage site of Krzeszów/Grüssau to that of Maria Śnieżna involves travelling 90 km to the southeast.
The distance from the pilgrimage site of Piekary Slaskie to Maria Sniezna is 242 km west.
Posted: 26 February 2025
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