Sanktuarium Najświętszej Maryi Panny Skępskiej w Skępem

The history of this place dates back to the 15th century when the first apparitions of the Virgin Mary were reported in the area, leading to the construction of a small wooden chapel. In 1495, a miracle occurred—the daughter of Castellan Mikołaj Kościelecki, Zofia (or Katarzyna), was healed. Out of gratitude, Zofia brought a figurine of the Virgin Mary from Poznań, which she offered to the chapel as a thanksgiving votive. As the number of pilgrims increased, Mikołaj Kościelecki brought the Bernardine Order to Skępe and financed the construction of a brick church and monastery. The most valuable treasure of the church is the miraculous figure of Mary from 1496. Made of linden wood and covered with polychrome, it is in Gothic style, depicting a young girl in a blessed state, standing with her head slightly bowed. Placed in the main altar of the Bernardine church, the figure is renowned for its graces and has attracted Marian devotion, which continues to this day.