BENEDICTINE ABBEY OF TYNIEC

Tyniec is one of the oldest monasteries in Poland still active today. Founded on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vistula River in the mid-11th century by Benedictine monks from France, the abbey has the characteristics of a baroque fortified church with Gothic elements. Only the church can be visited because the convent still houses a religious community. The abbey is part of the congregation of the Annunciation and the federation of sites of the Order of Cluny. Inside, one can admire the baroque pulpit in the shape of a ship's bow and the black marble altar contrasting with the golden statues that decorate it. Entering the courtyard, it is possible to discover portions of old walls and a well dating from the seventeenth century. Within the abbey grounds there is also a museum that tells the history of the abbey. In Tyniec, the monks' choir still performs beautiful Gregorian chants. The monastery store, open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. sells honey, beer, jams, cheeses and other delicacies made by the monks. The convent also has a magnificent panoramic terrace with a peaceful view of the Vistula River and its green landscape. Far from the crowds, you can meditate in the midst of beautiful nature and on the banks of the Vistula.

If you go there on a sunny day, take a gondola cab (only one boat per day with only 12 seats).