Where have you been?

The outside is equally beautiful if a bit less decorated.


Not much less but less.

Regardless of what one thinks of the Church organization it must be admitted Catholics know how to do ornate (and sometimes gaudy) churches. American Catholic churches are tame by European standards, a standard which is set in Poland!

The Black Madonna herself. Well, actually this one is a replica.


This is the original one from the sixteen hundreds. It is the motivation for hourly services which are attended by the faithful.

The Monastery is a bit strange in that it is both an active holy site and tourists attraction at the same time. There were many of the faithful praying quietly while the sightseers (like us) were snapping photos, pointing, and gawking in general.


As such I felt quite comfortable wandering the grounds looking to see what there was to see. In one area we found a pictorial history of the Black Madonna (which is where the replica is situated).


In another area there was a sort of library/book store with both historic books as well as knicknacks.


In another area there was a surprisingly modern art gallery. It presented Jesus and his cross suffering alongside victims of Nazi Germany - many in child form. Strange.

After Tyniec we continued on to the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa. It is the home of the famed Black Madonna of Częstochowa and destination for hundred of thousands of pilgrims yearly. Jasna Góra is my favorite place in Poland thus far, slightly edging out Malbork Castle. For more information check out the Monastery homepage (click the British flag for English), the Sacred Destinations site, and the Wikipedia page.


This picture makes me laugh - what a motley crew!

We had left the return trip plans till the last minuted because we were unsure how motivated we would be after several days of hardcore tourist action. As such the trip to the Abby and Jasna Góra (photos to be posted next) were unplanned and we were somewhat "unready" to go there. This is clear from the funky clothing we all have - all inappropriate for holy religious sites. Above you see me in my camo/orange shirt rave outfit.


Here is my wife in her new Iron Maiden shirt.


And here is my nephew in his normal yet strange clothing.

A few shots of the archways in the Abby. Here with one of the monks passing through.


Here with my mom and wife nearby.

The Second place we stopped was Tyniec, home to a 11th century Benedictine Abbey. My wife knew about it and said it was very old and very beautiful. She was right on both accounts and as the weather continued to be perfect we once again had a nice stop.

The wall towards the left (with the cross in front of it) is part of the original structure build in 1044. As with other European building the Abby has been destroyed at various points in time due to disuse and war.

It is built on the bend of a river and has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.