“On the Water” Chapel of St Joseph the Worker in Ojców

The “On the Water” Chapel stands in Ojców, in Ojców National Park, at the foot of the rocks known as the Prałatki. This wooden place of worship is dedicated to St Joseph the Craftsman (the Worker) and stands astride the two banks of the Prądnik stream.

Origins of the chapel

The chapel was built in 1901 on concrete foundations, on the site of the former “Goplana” spa baths. According to legend, the unusual position was meant to get round the tsarist ban on building on Ojców land: since building on the ground was not allowed, the chapel was put up over the water.

Style and interior

The building is in the so-called Swiss-Ojców style. Elements of Alpine architecture can be seen in the openwork bell turret, and the interior refers to the Zakopane style, fashionable in the early 20th century. There are three altars shaped like the gables of peasant cottages. The main altar contains a symbolic sun, five saints and a painting of Our Lady Help of Christians, painted in 1901 by one of the “Goplana” spa guests. On either side of the altar are two eagles above three rising snakes: the eagles symbolise Poland, the snakes the three partitioning powers.

Nearby

In front of the chapel stretches a meadow called the Goplana glade, and the spring of St John. About 300 m away stands Ojców Castle, and a little further the PTTK Regional Museum in Ojców.

Practical information

• The chapel is in the centre of Ojców, within the national park, by the Prądnik stream.
• Check the opening hours of the interior and the times of services with the parish or Ojców National Park.