Saint Kinga, the wife of Bolesław V the Chaste, founded the monastery after being widowed and entering the order herself.
The monastery complex has survived multiple fires and military conflicts, including the Swedish Deluge, due to its strategic defensive location.
Saint Kinga was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1999 during his visit to the nearby Stary Sącz altar site.
The church features a unique Baroque altar that contains the silver sarcophagus of Saint Kinga.
The monastery is part of a complex that is often associated with the 'Stary Sącz' town foundation, which holds one of the oldest town charters in Poland.
The Klasztor Sióstr Klarysek is a historic Poor Clare monastery founded in the 13th century by Saint Kinga, located in the town of Stary Sącz. It serves as a sanctuary and an active religious site, characterized by its traditional cloistered monastic life. The site includes a Gothic-style church dedicated to the Holy Trinity and Saint Kinga, which holds the relics of its foundress. The monastery complex is known for its well-preserved medieval layout and serves as a significant pilgrimage destination in Southern Poland. The grounds feature a courtyard and garden areas that maintain the enclosure of the religious community. The site is a key component of the local cultural heritage, reflecting centuries of contemplative life and historical continuity in the region.
The entrance gate and the exterior facade of the church from the adjacent square.
Respect the silence and privacy of the sisters by maintaining a quiet demeanor within the complex.
Check the schedule for public masses, as some areas may be restricted during private prayer.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic market square of Stary Sącz.
Avoid entering areas marked as 'clausura' or 'enclosure' which are strictly reserved for the sisters.
Parts of the monastery are closed to the public during religious retreats and specific liturgical periods.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; maintain silence and refrain from taking photos of the sisters.
