The Hermitage of the Golden Forest in Rytvany

Medals available in the souvenir shop!

The Golden Forest Hermitage in Rytwiany is a 17th-century former Camaldolese monastery surrounding a Baroque church that is a pearl of Polish sacred architecture. The foundation by the Tęczyński brothers in 1617 was completed with the consecration of the church on September 27, 1637. The beautiful, unique and mystical character of the Rytwiany temple was created by great artists: Venanty da Subiaco, Giovanni Battista Falconi and Karol de Prevot under the patronage of prominent noble families. The Camaldolese monks lived here for over two centuries, leaving the monastery due to its abolition by the Russian partitioner in 1819. Despite significant damage to the abandoned monastery, the Hermitage always remained a place that attracted crowds of tourists and pilgrims. In recent years, the monastery buildings have been thoroughly renovated to create the Relaxation-Contemplation Therapeutic Center SPeS (salus per silentium – health through silence), offering an innovative form of rest for modern people based on the Camaldolese rule of silence and contemplation. Located in the middle of the golden Rytwiany forest and imbued with the spirit of Camaldolese history, the center creates a unique atmosphere for rest and spiritual renewal, with omnipresent silence guaranteeing the best therapy. In the conditions provided by the Rytwiany hermitage, old Polish traditions are cultivated and Polish culture is promoted. Three main outdoor events: Monastery May Festival, Monastery Fair and Forest Pharmacy attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists coming to the Rytwiany Sanctuary of Silence. Guests can not only visit the Baroque church and monastery buildings but also stay in modern monastic cells or try home cooking in the monastic refectory.