Exactly, but how did this even happen? It's connected to a medieval account, according to which, in 1200, the Virgin Mary and Child appeared here to Jan of Ratno. Impressed by the vision, he ordered a statue of the saint to be carved and placed in the hollow of a massive linden tree. Soon, more and more people began to pray there. Among them was the blind Jan of nearby Ratno. One day, he stumbled, struck a tree trunk, and... regained his sight. Word spread, and numerous pilgrims began to come to Wambierzyce. The now-famous church was built on the very spot where these miraculous events occurred. This was between 1715 and 1723, although the first, more modest church probably stood here as early as 1263.
When you get here, you definitely won't miss it. The monumental Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is enormous for a small town. Immediately afterward, you'll see the entire world of Calvary: chapels, gates, stairs, and paths that lead you along a pilgrimage map of ancient Jerusalem.
I offer this comparison for a reason. The similarities with the Holy Land are evident, even in the natural location of these places. The three hills of Wambierzyce, with their biblical names, correspond in location and height to those that give the Holy City its unique character. Both are entered through an ornate gate.
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