The building interiors are breathtaking. The walkway from the parking lot is lined with flags of many countries, and there is a statue of Pope John's parents. Photos are allowed inside as long as you do not use flash. Several masses in various chapels were in progress while we were there. It did feel strange to walk past the picture of the Black Madonna as a priest was saying mass. We saw several enthusiastic groups of pilgrims, all looking happy and excited to be there. We ate at a very basic pilgrim's dining hall. The food was plain, but filling. There are several souvenir shops, as you would expect. Be careful to get your correct change if you buy anything!

If you go to a Roman Catholic shrine in a strongly RC country, you have to be prepared for a strong dose of Catholicism - what else did negative reviewers expect? It is a beautiful painting. As a Protestant, I don't find it an aid to devotion and I found some aspects of the worship at the shrine of the Black Madonna disturbing but it was a learning experience. I don't believe in the dogma of the assumption of Mary and would not dream of praying to her but despite these very strong reservations, it is an interesting place to visit.

While I appreciate the many pilgrims journeying there to see The Black Madonna, my experience was average because the crowds were so bad, I couldn't even see the painting. Jasna Gora is fantastic, however.

To finally see in real life the face of Czarna Madonna, Matka Boska Częstochowska, brought tears to my eyes.
Our guide at the Jasna Góra monastery was kind and very knowledgeable; she enhanced this experience of a lifetime.
Be sure to request a stop at the basement gift shop; it has a much larger inventory of handmade items than the tiny kiosk at the monastery museum.