Poland: Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
Poland is a deeply Catholic country (the only large country in Europe where abortion is mostly illegal) and Catholic churches and various religious complexes are everywhere. One of the largest in the country is the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO World Heritage site (actually it is the only calvary in the world to be listed as such, out of over 1000 others). The Calvary was constructed in 1605–1632 on the orders of the ruler of the nearby city of Krakow to built a replica of Jerusalem as it existed at the time of Christ – a massive monastic complex spread over several hills connected with pathways and replicating the Passion of the Christ points., over 40 chapels.and the main church. Today it is the site of massive pilgrimage both within the country and abroad. Pope John Paul the second crew up in the town nearby and visited it multiple times after becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. The interior is lavish, full of gold, painting, and tons of baroque decoration – the Catholic Church wasn’t shy about excessive bling.
