The ‘On the Water’ chapel of St Joseph the Worker in Ojców is located within the Ojców National Park. It is a small building that was erected on concrete foundations over a stream. The chapel’s unusual location has made it a tourist attraction. However, the shrine is also used by the faithful.
Ojców National Park in Małopolskie Voivodeship is the smallest national park in Poland. It is a picturesque corner, boasting rich wildlife and history. More than a thousand plant species can be found here. Impressive are the limestone rocks, caves and architectural monuments, such as the ruins of the medieval castle in Ojców or a tiny chapel.
The “Na Wodzie” chapel was built in 1901 on the site of the former “Goplana” spa baths (in the 19th century, visitors who enjoyed therapeutic baths came here) on the initiative of Stanisław Niedzielski, then director of the hydropathic plant. The chapel was located on concrete foundations, which are situated on two banks of the Prądnik stream. Why this unusual location? Probably as a result of the Tsar’s ban on the construction of religious buildings in the Opole area at the time. In an attempt to circumvent the ban, it was built “on water”.
The building is an example of stylish wooden construction. Elements reminiscent of Alpine and Zakopane architecture can be seen here. The interior was designed in the latter. The wooden chapel has a symmetrical ground plan. Its external walls are an example of several techniques, some of the boards are laid in a grid, others in a tiled or vertical pattern. The whole is crowned by a small openwork tower.
Inside, the chapel has three altars in the shape of peasant hut gables. The main altar features a symbolic sun and figures of saints. On the sides of the altar there is a patriotic touch. There are two eagles symbolising Poland, hovering over three serpents – the partitioners.
On Sundays, masses are held in the chapel, but only in spring and summer. From November to the end of March, masses are not celebrated.
source: Ojców National Park(https://opn.gov.pl)
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