Wambierzyce (Vamberic / Vamberice), the 'Silesian Jerusalem', is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in southern Poland. The wooden statue of Our Lady, dating from the thirteenth century, was originally placed in a mighty linden tree located at this site (as pictured here). According to the legend a blind man regained his eyesight after praying before the statue (see illustration). The first wooden chapel was built in 1263 followed by a larger church, destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. The fourth and present church (in Baroque style) was built in the early 18th century. In 1936 the church received the status of a 'Basilica minor' from Pope Pius XI and in 1980, Pope John Paul II awarded the Madonna of Wambierzyce the title of 'Queen of Families'.