Jaszczurówka Chapel, officially the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Kaplica Najświętszego Serca Pana Jezusa), is a historic wooden landmark in Zakopane. Its Zakopane-style design, stained-glass windows and location near the outlet of the Olczyska Valley make it a rewarding stop on a Zakopane walking tour.
- Location: Jaszczurówka 31, on Oswalda Balzera Road.
- Setting: A clearing at a bend in the road, about 250 metres from the outlet of the Olczyska Valley.
- Architecture: Designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz; construction ran from 1904 to 1907.
- Access: The city guide identifies it as open for sightseeing; daytime access is described as running from morning until dusk.
Where is Jaszczurówka Chapel?
Jaszczurówka Chapel stands at Jaszczurówka 31, on Oswalda Balzera Road in Zakopane. It sits in a clearing at a bend in the road, about 250 metres from the outlet of the Olczyska Valley.
The chapel is on the route toward Morskie Oko and serves as a branch church of the parish at Toporowa Cyrhla. At the nearby valley outlet, an amphibian and reptile conservation centre occupies the site of a former bathing area.
A walk along Oswalda Balzera Street passes the chapel. For a wider town plan, a one-day route through Zakopane follows a town itinerary.
What makes the chapel’s architecture distinctive?
Jaszczurówka Chapel is a wooden building in Zakopane style, raised on a high stone foundation. Stanisław Witkiewicz designed it, and construction began in 1904 and finished in 1907.
The Uznański family founded the chapel. Local highland craftsmen worked on its construction under the direction of engineer Aurelian Blacha, bringing the design and local building skills together.
Look for the stained-glass windows designed by Witkiewicz. They depict Polish and Lithuanian religious and national emblems. Glass-painted Stations of the Cross by Józef Jan Jachymiak were added in the 1950s, according to the chapel’s official history.
How do you get to Jaszczurówka Chapel from the Willa 14 area?
From a bed and breakfast in Zakopane, the chapel is about 36 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car. A walk along Oswalda Balzera Road passes the chapel.
City bus line 11 has a stop named Jaszczurówka in the municipal timetable. Schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Zakopane’s historic villas are another part of the town’s architectural story; what makes Willa Pod Jedlami a historic Zakopane villa is explored in a companion guide.
What should you know before visiting?
Zakopane’s official city guide identifies the chapel as a historic monument and says it is open for sightseeing. The chapel’s official site has sections on services, history, style and dedication; check it before planning around a particular time.
The city archive gives Mass times of 10:00 and 17:00 on Sundays and holy days, but does not establish whether that timetable is current. If you plan to attend a service, confirm details with the Divine Mercy Parish in Cyrhla, the chapel’s contact.
For a simple visit, take time to view the exterior and its stone base, then look at the stained glass if the chapel is open. Keep the distinction between sightseeing and worship in mind: the chapel is a branch church, and services may affect access.
FAQs
Is Jaszczurówka Chapel a historic monument?
Yes. Zakopane’s official city guide identifies the chapel as a historic monument and says it is open for sightseeing.
Who designed Jaszczurówka Chapel?
Stanisław Witkiewicz designed the chapel and its stained-glass windows. Construction took place from 1904 to 1907.
Can you visit the chapel during the day?
It is described as open from morning until dusk, without exact hours. Check the chapel’s official site before you go for current visitor and service details.