An impressive late-Baroque church built towards the end of the eighteenth century stands on Wadowice’s lively market square. The historic building is not only an architectural gem, but also an important place because Karol Wojtyła—the boy who would later become Pope John Paul II—was baptised here.
“Time passes, eternity awaits” is the inscription on the sundial mounted on the wall of the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wadowice. The young Karol Wojtyła, later John Paul II, often saw it from his window. The words became a symbol and a reflection on transience that accompanied the future pope for many years.
His former family home stands directly beside the basilica. It is now preserved as a museum and offers visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the future pontiff.
