Another extraordinary site is located about thirty kilometres from Cracow – the Marian cult sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, based on the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem.
The founder of this centre was Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, Lord Voivode of Cracow in the 17th-century, who observed a resemblance to Jerusalem in the surrounding hills. First, a monastery and church were built for the Observants. Next he had a series of chapels, inspired by the individual Jerusalem buildings. One of the hills became Golgotha, another the Mount of Olives, and the river served as the Cedron Brook. Forty chapels and churches are scattered picturesquely over the surrounding hills and in the valley. Colourful and spectacular Passion Plays are performed here during Holy Week.
