Fodor's Expert Review Jasna Góra Monastery

The most famous Polish shrine to the Virgin Mary, Jasna Góra monastery is a major pilgrimage stop. Throngs of tourists and locals come to see the icon of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa (also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa). The monastery was founded in the late 14th century by monks from Hungary and has since been a pilgrimage destination. It's very crowded here, though all of the pilgrims come for a view of the Black Madonna, so if you aren't lining up for that, you'll have a bit more space. If you do want to see the Madonna, get in line as soon as you arrive. Jasna Góra's interior is simply stunning, dripping in gold and bedecked in ornate carvings. For kids, there are two parks with play equipment right next to Jasna Gora and just down the street are shops selling ice cream.