Shrine of St. Thaddaeus – Warsaw, Poland - Atlas Obscura

Shrine of St. Thaddaeus

Hundreds of notes give thanks to the patron saint of lost causes.  

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[Solve overlap with the heart]

Though Frédéric Chopin’s heart is undoubtedly the star object within this Polish church, the sanctuary holds other interesting objects as well. Head to the back of the church, and you’ll find a shrine to St. Thaddaeus that was erected to help those in times of need.

St. Thaddaeus, also known as Judas the Apostol, is the patron saint of lost causes and difficult situations. People would pray to his portrait, which is a famous rendition made by Pii Gorska in 1938 as a replacement for the portrait that was lost during a war.

If people’s prayers were heard, they would leave a small sign expressing their thanks and donate some money to the church. The signs are all attached to the pews and surrounding walls. Other grateful visitors chose to give jewels or necklaces, which hang around the painting. 

Know Before You Go

Visiting the shrine is free.

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