Papal Altar in Stary Sącz

The Papal Altar in Stary Sącz is a sacred structure whose central element is an altar in the form of a sacrificial table. It was created as a temporary construction, erected in 1999 for the canonisation Mass of St Kinga, celebrated by John Paul II on 16 June 1999.

Construction and designer

The design was by Zenon Andrzej Remi of Zakopane, in collaboration with his son, Zenon Bartosz Remi. The main structure is wooden, two-storeyed, with a raised central part and a roof topped with characteristic turrets. Originally columns of rock salt from the mine in Bochnia were used, later replaced with granite columns from Strzegom. In 1999-2003 the building underwent structural alterations.

What is inside

The lower part houses the John Paul II memorial room, a sacristy, an audiovisual room and a souvenir shop.

Practical information

• Place: Stary Sącz, Nowy Sącz County. The site's website: centrumopoka.pl (Ołtarz Papieski tab).
• Check the opening hours and rules for visiting the interiors on the site's website before your visit.
• Nearby, about 700 m away, stands the Poor Clares' convent, and in the town is the Regional Museum.