Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Jaszczurówka in Zakopane

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The name “Jaszczurówka” comes from the spotted salamanders that once lived here, called “lizards” by the highlanders.

The chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and funded by the Uznański family, was designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz (1851–1915) — a writer, painter, art historian, and social activist. Construction of the chapel began in 1904 and was completed two years later. The project involved the cooperation of engineer Blacha and local highlanders, masters of the axe and chisel.

The chapel is a typical example of the Zakopane style. The log structure is built on a high stone foundation. The front features arcaded porches. On the shingled roof, there is a small turret housing a bell. The interior consists of a rectangularly closed presbytery and a single nave. The wooden main altar resembles a highlander cottage. The interior is adorned with stained glass windows designed by S. Witkiewicz, depicting Our Lady of Częstochowa and Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, as well as the coats of arms of Poland and Lithuania.

In the 1950s, two side altars were added: one of the Virgin Mary and the other of Saint Joseph. The Stations of the Cross were painted on glass by Jan Jachimiak, and local highlanders carved a hanging oak chandelier.

During difficult times for the Church in Poland (1977–1983), Father Jan Kowalik, pastor of the Olcza parish, took on the task of raising funds to carry out a major renovation of the collapsing chapel. Thanks to his efforts, this valuable monument was saved. Since 1983, the Marian Fathers from Toporowa Cyrhla have overseen the chapel. The formal owner of the building is the Tatra National Park, on whose land the chapel stands. Annual folk art exhibitions are held in its basement.