Poland - Czestochowa, Torun

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Sylvia's parents went along with us to Poland for a week. We set out in our CNG (compressed natural gas) powered Fiat Multipla. They call it the ugliest vehicle in Europe (see picture). CNG is approximately half the price of gasoline (almost $9.00 a gallon) here and works very well. After crossing the Tatra mountains which create the border between Slovakia and Poland, our first stop was the town of Czestochowa. This town is home to the Jasna Gora monastery which has existed since 1382. It is famous for having repelled several assults, including the 40 day long Swedish attack during the Deluge in 1655. It is most famous, however, because its church is the location of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa. This is the most famous religious relic for Polish Catholics and one of the greatest pilgrimage locations in all of Europe. It is said that the relic is painted on a piece of wood that served as a table top for the holy family and that it was painted by Saint Luke.

The next stop on our trip was the Torun, which is the birthplace of Copernicus. Unfortunately it rained most of the afternoon while we visited, but it didnt stop us from walking around the Old Town and seeing some of the sights. We visited the famous Church of the Virgin Mary, which was built starting in 1270. Also, we visited the famous Crooked Tower, which is part of the cities old outer wall. It is still structurally stable, so a newer, three-storied building has been constructed inside with the floors offset to ensure that they are level.

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Photos

Fiat Multipla
The ugliest car in Europe...but it uses cheap fuel!

Jasna Gora
Outside the Jasna Gora monastery.

Basilica of the Holy Cross
The basilica at Jasna Gora that contains the Black Madonna.

The Black Madonna
The famous Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna is the the center of the holiest site for Catholic Poles. Legend says it was painted on a table Jesus used by Saint Luke.

Jasna Gora
This is the massive outdoor altar that is used each year during the Polish pilgrimage to Jasna Gora to see the Black Madonna. John Paul was here several times.

Torun
Walking through Torun despite the rain.

The Crooked Tower
The building has a significant lean, but is still stable and houses a pub.

Church of the Virgin Mary
Built in 1270.

Polish Soup
Enjoying some zurek, a common type of Polish soup.

Comments

[Craygee]

AHHH
HOW FREAKIN FUN!! and whatchoo talkin bout foo, that vehicle is the BOMBDOTCOM!!!!

[ztempest]

We loved Torun too
My husband + I just returned from our European Road Trip having moved to the Czech Republic from the USA in 2007. We did Poland and Torun. It is a fantastic city, I agree. From the castle ruins to the river at sunset, the gingerbread and the churches with glitted gold to overlooking the city from the clock tower. There are bits and pieces that are still to be discovered there, and we spend 2 days finding so many things that are not described in a book. Only problem besides too many tourist kiosks are the roads ... Cheers !!!