Complex of buildings

Kalwaria Pacławska is a village which emerged in the vicinity of the Franciscan Monastery and Church founded by Andrzej Maksymilian Fredro, along with a complex of chapels, shrines and pilgrims’ pathways.

Located on a hill, this is a unique historical landmark comprising an old arrangement of residential houses of a settlement accompanying the monastery. Even today we can see here a semi-urban spatial layout with the main shopping street, even though the buildings are typical for rural areas. Under a single roof there are often a hut, a stable and a barn.

Over the years growth of the settlement was promoted by the increasing numbers of pilgrims coming here, while the houses had to be adjusted to meet the needs of religious festivities. Picturesque arcades would hold stands for merchandise, while the attics were used to provide accommodation and could be accessed via external stairs running alongside the front wall.

The buildings which have been preserved mainly date from the 1800s. They face the main street with their gable ends. These are whitewashed wooden buildings representing the log-and-framing type of construction.

There is a legend connected with the origins of the Calvary here. It says that once, during a hunting party, Fredro saw a stag with a cross shining between his antlers at a location which today holds the church. He thought it was a manifestation of God's will and decided to build a Calvary on the top of the hill.

The benevolent painting of Our Lady of Pacław is particularly worshipped here. It was originally located in Kamieniec Podolski and after the city was invaded by Turks in 1679 it was brought to the area of Przemyśl. 

The village comes to life during the period between 11 and 15 August when pilgrims come here in large numbers for the festival of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

Photo: Krystian Kłysewicz

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