Chapels of Saint Roch and Saint Anthony

At ulica Wycieczkowa 75 in the Łagiewniki district of Łódź stand two wooden chapels, dedicated to Saint Anthony and to Saints Roch and Sebastian. They are the only surviving elements of a former complex of six Franciscan chapels, considered among the oldest monuments in Łódź.

Legend of apparitions

According to local legend, in the 1670s the Żeleski family, owners of Łagiewniki, experienced a vision of Saint Anthony. The chapel of Saint Anthony was built in 1676 by Samuel Żeleski from larch wood, making it one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. The chapel of Saints Roch and Sebastian was built somewhat later, at the beginning of the 18th century.

Sanctuary under Franciscan care

In 1680 the church congregation recognised Łagiewniki as a place of miracles, and the Franciscans took charge of the cult. Due to the growing number of pilgrims, in 1682 the original chapel was replaced by a larger wooden one. Between 1701 and 1723 a larger Baroque brick church was erected nearby, and the wooden chapel was moved to its present location on ulica Wycieczkowa.

What remains of the complex

Originally the Franciscan sanctuary complex in Łagiewniki comprised six chapels. Only these two survive today, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and to Saints Roch and Sebastian. The place continues to be a pilgrimage destination connected with the cult of Saint Anthony since the 17th century.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Wycieczkowa 75, Łódź (Łagiewniki)
• Access: Łagiewniki district, adjacent to Łagiewniki forest
• What to expect: two small wooden Baroque chapels, accessible to the faithful and tourists