Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń

The Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen (Polish: Bazylika Najświętszej Maryi Panny Licheńskiej ) is a Sanctuary in Lichen Stary, 15 km north of Konin ( Warta ) in the Greater Poland Voivodeship.

History and dimensions of the Church

The 200 year old, venerated as miraculous image of Our Lady of Lichen was originally kept in the local church Dorothee. In 1994 the cornerstone was laid for a new church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Madonna took place in 2006 whose high altar. On 12 June 2004, the five-aisled basilica was completed in form of a cross with central dome after ten years of construction, which was designed by architect Barbara Bielecka from Gdynia, which was largely funded by donations. On 25 February 2005, the church was elevated by John Paul II to the papal basilica minor.

The dimensions and equipment of the new church are considerable, and so the church is the largest in Poland and the eighth-largest church in Europe. It is 139 m long and 77 m wide. The cross on the central dome is 103.5 m above the ground, the church tower is with 141.5 meters is the highest in Poland. In the 68 m high bell tower there is also the " Mother of God " - with 15 tons in weight, 3.12 m diameter and 4.40 m height, the largest bell in Poland and third in Europe. Even the second largest church bell " Josef" exceeds 11.6 tons nearly the hitherto largest bell in Poland, the Sigismund bell. In Lichen It is also mentioned the largest organ of Poland with 20,000 pipes. To the church leads a staircase with 33 steps symbolizing the 33 years of life of Jesus Christ. The forecourt holds about 250,000 people. The church is visited by numerous pilgrims.