There is a city on the map of the Kłodzko Valley that lives in an extraordinary, fascinating paradox. On the one hand, it isBardo – the city of peace, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in Lower Silesia, the destination of thousands of pilgrims looking for solace and a miracle. On the other, it is a city marked by the power of the elements, located in an active seismic zone, whose history was literally carved by tectonic upheavals and a massive cataclysm. It is here that a gentle prayer mixes with the roar of the rushing riverthat with determination breaks through the mighty mountain massif.
As the hosts of “Gołąbek”, fascinated by every, even the most complex, story of our region, we want to be your guides to this extraordinary place. This will not be an ordinary description of monuments. This will be the most complete journey through the two faces of the Bard. We will discover its deep, spiritualhistory, face evidence of its geological impetuosity, visit uniquemuseum and we will feel the energy of the river, which is the heart of the city.
City of Wonder: The Spiritual History of the Bard and His Sanctuary
For over eight centuries, the Bardo has been primarily a pilgrimage destination. His spiritual story begins with an extraordinary legend.
Legend of the Figurine of Our Lady
According to legend, the Mother of God appeared in the chapel on Bardzka Góra already in the 13th century, leaving footprints on the stone. However, the greatest treasure and the heart of the cult is a tiny, only 43-centimeter, Romanesque figurine of Our Lady Enthroned with Child. Made of linden wood, it dates back to around 1200 and is the oldest sculpture of this type in Lower Silesia. Legend has it that in the 15th century, during the Hussite Wars, the figurine “cried” over the fate of destroyed Silesia, which established its miraculous status and attracted crowds of pilgrims to the Bard.
Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Baroque Pearl
Today’s monumental temple is a wonderful example of Silesian Baroque, built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. Its interior delights with its rich decorations, illusionistic frescoes and a huge main altar, in the heart of which there is a miraculous figure. It is also worth paying attention to the wonderful organ, the work of master Franz Joseph Eberhard, the sound of which fills the temple during numerous concerts.
When the Earth Shakes: Tectonic Tremors and the Great Landslide
The second, more dramatic face of the Bard is related to its geological location. The city is located in the immediate vicinity of the powerful Sudetes Marginal Fault – a deep crack in the earth’s crust, separating the Sudetes from the Sudetes Foreland. This is a seismically active zone where tectonic movements have been taking place for millions of years.
The most dramatic proof of the power of these forces was the cataclysm ofAugust 24, 1598. On that day, most likely as a result of a tectonic shock, a huge fragment of the slope of Bardzka Góra broke off and fell down with a gigantic bang, completely blocking the bed of the Nysa Kłodzka. The river was blocked, and a huge lake began to form behind the rock dam, which flooded part of the city and surrounding villages. After a few weeks, the water pressure broke the natural dam. A powerful flood wave crashed down the valley, destroying everything in its path. A reminder of this event is a bare, stone scar on the mountainside, still visible today, calledRockfall.
Seismic Hazards Today
Is Bardo dangerous today? Scientists confirm that this is one of the most seismically active regions in Poland. There are numerous, although mostly very weak, shocks, imperceptible to humans. The probability of a cataclysm on the scale of the 16th century is slim, but the geological specificity of this place gives it an aura of mystery and reminds us of the power of the forces lying beneath our feet.
“Wartka Rzeka” Nysa Kłodzka – The Heart of the Bardzkie Gorge
It is the geology and history of the landslide that shaped the character of Nysa Kłodzka in this place. The river, meandering through the gorge, is the heart and soul of Bard. Although the name “wartka river Bardo” is a bit of a simplification (it’s the Nysa Kłodzka flowing through Bardo), it perfectly reflects its energy. Water, which has been carving its way through the mountains for centuries, is today one of the greatest tourist attractions. The famous rafting and kayaking trips, which we described in a separate article, allow you to experience the majesty of the Bardzkie Gorge in a safe and relaxing way, admiring from the perspective of the water both the beauty of nature and historical monuments, including the aforementioned Rockfall.
Treasures of Culture and Art: What to See in Bardo?
Museum of Sacred Art
It is a real gem, often overlooked by tourists. Museum is located in the historic interior of the Redemptorist monastery, right next to the Basilica. His collections are extremely valuable. Here you will find, among others:
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A collection of Gothic sculptures from the 15th and 16th centuries, including beautiful figures of Madonnas and saints.
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Richly decorated baroque vestments and liturgical vessels.
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A collection of paintings by Silesian Baroque masters.
A visit to the museum is the perfect complement to a visit to the Basilica, allowing you to fully appreciate the artistic and craft heritage of the region.
Stone Bridge from the 15th century
The stone bridge with figures of saints over the Nysa Kłodzka River is one of the most beautiful technical monuments in the region. Although repeatedly damaged by floods and rebuilt, it still retains its historic, Gothic character and is an ideal place for photographing the city panorama with the Basilica in the background.
“Gołąbek” – Your Haven after a Day Full of Experiences
Bardo is an extraordinary place that can provide both deep spiritual experiences and a solid dose of adrenaline on the water. After a day spent discovering its two very different faces, it is worth finding a place where you can organize all your impressions in peace and quiet. “Gołąbek” in Stronie Śląskie, located in the heart of the Śnieżnik Massif, is an ideal base and a break from the bustle of popular towns. Here, surrounded by wild nature, you will find comfort and peace that will allow you to recharge your batteries and plan the next stages of discovering the countless secrets that the entire Kłodzko Land hides.
