Miedzyrzecki Fortified Region - Lichen Sanctuary

Route: Poznan - Miedzyrzecki Fortified Region - Lichen Sanctuary - Poznan
Duration: 10 h
Firstly we will visit to the Lubuska Gate, i.e. the lands between the Warta River and the Oder River which has been a strategic area for centuries where Polish and German armies clashed from the times of Mieszko I, and then transformed into a war route. The concept of defending the area between the Oder and Warta rivers was born after Germany lost the First World War. The provisions of the Versailles Treaty imposed extremely strict regulations on the defeated nation. The army was limited to 100,000 soldiers, the armament was reduced, and, importantly, it forbade the Germans to build fortifications in the border regions . Built between 1934 and 1944, the system of about 100 concrete defence structures, partially interconnected by a network of underground tunnels, was meant to halt any Soviet offensive. The many kilometers of tunnels housed railway stations, workshops, engine rooms and barracks, making it the Nazi’s most technologically advanced fortification system. It still remains one of the largest and the most interesting systems of its type in the world. Next we will visit to the Lichen which is the second-largest centre of pilgrimage in Poland after Częstochowa. The object of cult around which it is built up is a diminutive miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland. On February 25, pope John Paul II gave the title of minor basilica to the new church in Licheń.Basilica of Lichen is the biggest church in Poland, 8th largest in Europe and 12th in the world. It is composed of three parts: two-storey shrine, belfry and tower. Towards the church leads 33 steps referring to years of earthly life of Jesus. There are 365 windows and 52 doors symbolizing number of days and weeks in the year. The vault of the Basilica is supported by 12 columns symbolising 12 Apostles. 4 columns supporting the dome symbolize the four Evangelists. There is placed a baldachin over the main altar. Here is the heart of the sanctuary - the tabernacle and above it the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Licheń. There is also the largest organ in Poland. The instrument is composed of 5 independent sections, arranged in several places. To the right of the main nave, there is the Chapel of the Heart of Jesus. To the left there is The Rosary Chapel with fresco depicting apparitions in Grąbliński Forrest.In the lower part of the Basilica there are 5 chapels: of the Holy Trinity, of 108 Martyrs o the Second World War, of Blessed Father Stanislaus Papczyński, of the Shroud of Turin and of the Priests. The spectators tower high of 141,5 meters is opened for visitors since August 7, 2004. From spectators terraces which are placed at level of 98 and 114 meters can be viewed beautiful panorama of the Sanctuary and the surrounding areas. It is possible to get there with an elevator or by stairs. The bell tower is 65-meters high. There is hanged the largest bell in Poland, third largest in Europe,  “Holy Mary the Mother of God” weighing 15 tons. The bell was made in Milan, Italy and it was consecrated by archbishop Joseph Kowalczyk . During our visit you will see the main church of the sanctuary the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lichen, church complex, chapels, monasteries, cemetery, stone Golgotha, museum of basilica construction, numerous figures and monuments as well as other sacred buildings and pilgrimage infrastructure. After free time we return to Poznan.
Price: per person