Although one might think that Gostyń lies in the shadow of the monumental Basilica on the Holy Mountain, on the town’s outskirts, it is in fact extremely interesting and deserves a proper visit to the town centre. The town’s history dates back to the 13th century, and the medieval parish church has preserved its Gothic form remarkably well, despite changing fashions and styles. Moreover, nowhere else does sweet tube milk from the Gostyń dairy taste as good!
Gostyń parish church
The Gothic Church of St Margaret is the most important monument in Gostyń. It is the oldest historic building in the town, with origins dating back to the 12th century. One of the bricks in the church bears the date 1320 – possibly from the oldest church – as the current building dates from about a century later. The church tower reaches a height of 45 metres, although it was originally planned to be even taller. Since 1531, the exterior of the parish church has undergone no major changes.
The main altar dates from around 1658. At its centre is a painting of Our Lady of the Scapular, with a depiction of St Margaret of Antioch above. St Anne’s Chapel, which features an altar from 1548, merits particular note. At its centre is a sculptural group known as St Anne with the Virgin and Child. Below it is a painted wooden genealogical tree of the Virgin Mary.
The Gostyń Land Museum is right next to the church.
Market Square and town centre
A town hall is always a symbol of municipal self-governance and a source of pride for residents. The one in Gostyń may seem relatively modest, but it is certainly striking. The single-storey building is topped with a small clock tower. Interestingly, the shape of the Town Hall is asymmetrical, which is also quite unusual.
It stands on the eastern side of the market square. Today, this central square no longer serves a commercial function. Its focal point is a granite monument commemorating the town’s residents who died during World War II. Unfortunately, one of the main roads in the area runs through the square, which has shifted much of the town’s commercial and social life to the pedestrian 1 Maja Street. Many old houses remain in this area, often only one storey high. Street names such as Tkacka [Weavers’ Street], Łazienna [Bathhouse Street], and Na Fosie [On the Moat] also recall the town’s rich history.
More impressive buildings can be found slightly to the south, along Wschowska Street. The District Office building, school buildings, and the Church of the Holy Spirit bear witness to the town’s rapid development in the early 20th century.
Basilica on the Holy Mountain
The Holy Mountain [Święta Góra] was already a special place in the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, a wooden chapel was built there, housing venerated sculptures of the Pietà and the Crucifix. The site was also associated with miraculous healings. The miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, dating from the mid-16th century, became a major pilgrimage destination. In 1668, Adam Konarzewski brought the Philippine Fathers to the Holy Mountain, who remain its custodians to this day.
The basilica was modelled on Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, which greatly impressed Zofia Opalińska, wife of Adam Konarzewski. Prominent Italian architects Giovanni Catenazzi and Pompeo Ferrari worked on its construction. Visitors can also explore the extensive church crypts and the cloister adjoining the basilica.
The Holy Mountain is renowned for its musical events. Every autumn, it hosts the internationally acclaimed Musica Sacromontana Festival of Oratory Music.
