Date of John Paul II's visit to the High Tatras
Notable Figures – John Paul II
In the Footsteps of John Paul II in the High Tatras
Discover the story of his visit and the places that still today serve as a reminder of his connection to the Tatra Mountains.
The Tatras in the Heart of John Paul II.
The High Tatras were a place of rest, prayer, and communion with nature for John Paul II. He had come to know both the Slovak and Polish mountains as a young Karol Wojtyła, who enjoyed hiking and skiing.
On July 3, 1995, he returned to the Tatras as pope. He visited the Silesian House in Velická Valley and once again found himself among the mountains with which he had a personal connection. Today, his visit is commemorated by memorial sites, photographs, and the memories of people who met him.
Follow this story and discover the places in the Tatras connected to his life.
Elevation of the Silesian House
The time the pope spent at the Silesian House
Duration of the sightseeing flight over the Tatra Mountains and the surrounding area
Places Associated with John Paul II
The Silesian House in Velická Valley was where the pope stayed in 1995.
Near the hotel, you'll find a cross commemorating his visit.
You can combine your trip with a visit to Velické Lake and a view of the Velické Waterfall.
In Starý Smokovec, there is a replica of a wooden gazebo built for the pope.
A commemorative plaque on the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary also commemorates the visit.
Villa Čučoriedka is associated with the stays of the young Karol Wojtyła.
Next to the church in Starý Smokovec is the Rosary Garden dedicated to St. John Paul II.
The Tatra Ice Dome also commemorated the anniversary of the visit during the 2024–2025 season.
Plan a visit to these historic sites
The Silesian House and Its Surroundings
You can combine a visit to the cross near Sliezsky Dom with a walk around Velické Pleso. Since this is a mountainous area, adjust your ascent to your fitness level, the weather, and current conditions.
A Walk Through Starý Smokovec
In Starý Smokovec, you can see a church with a commemorative plaque, a replica of the Pope’s gazebo, the Rosary Garden, and the surroundings of Villa Čučoriedka all during a single walk.
Peace and respect for the place
You can visit these historic sites while exploring the history of the Tatra Mountains or during a spiritual pilgrimage. When visiting churches and places of worship, please respect the services being held and allow other visitors to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Karol Józef Wojtyła – Pope John Paul II
May 18, 1920 – April 2, 2005
Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland. He was elected pope on October 16, 1978, and took the name John Paul II. He became the first pope of Slavic descent.
During his pontificate, he undertook 104 apostolic journeys abroad. He visited Slovakia three times: in 1990, when it was still part of Czechoslovakia, and subsequently in 1995 and 2003. During his 1995 visit, he also traveled to the High Tatras.
He died on April 2, 2005, in the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI declared him Blessed on May 1, 2011, and Pope Francis canonized him on April 27, 2014.
The 30th anniversary of John Paul II's visit
In 2025, the High Tatras commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Pope’s visit. The anniversary video looks back on his stay and highlights the bond he shared with the Tatra region.
John Paul II's Visit to the High Tatras in 1995
John Paul II’s love for the mountains dated back to his youth. He explored the Tatra Mountains both on foot and on skis, and felt a close connection to both the Polish and Slovak sides of the range.
During his official visit to Slovakia in 1995, despite his demanding schedule, he found time to spend some time near Gerlachovský štít. His destination was Sliezsky dom. Returning to this familiar mountain setting was an opportunity for him to rest and reflect.
A Visit to the Silesian House in Velická Valley
In preparation for the arrival of John Paul II, staff at the Interhotel and the TANAP State Forests set up a room with a cross and a kneeler, as well as an exhibition about the Tatra Mountains. In front of the hotel, they erected a gazebo facing Velické Pleso and the Velické Granáty peaks.
The Pope was welcomed by hotel manager Klaudius Burger Sr. and his wife, who presented him with chanterelles from their garden. During his stay, he blessed a cross, as well as an ice axe and a rope brought by representatives of the TANAP Mountain Rescue Service, Juraj Bobula and Štefan Zavacký Sr.
He signed the guestbook and Bibles. He received a wooden relief of the Velice Garnets from Mikuláš Michelčík, director of the TANAP State Forests.
A Helicopter Flight Over the High Tatras
The sightseeing flight was arranged by the Poprad-based company Air Transport Europe. The AS 355 F1 Ecureuil helicopter was piloted by Tibor Nosian and Milan Hoholík. Archbishop Stanislav Dziwisz and the head of security also flew with the Pope.
From Velická Valley, they flew around Lomnický Peak over the Belianske Tatras. Due to cloud cover, they adjusted the route and continued over the Polish side of the mountain range. At the Pope’s request, they also flew over the Pieniny Mountains and the Dunajec River.
On the return flight, a view of the observatory on Lomnický štít came into view. After landing, they traveled to Poprad-Tatry Airport and departed for the Vatican.
Where can I find historical sites to visit?
The furnishings of the Pope’s room and the gazebo
The furnishings from the Silesian House were moved to the Burger family home in Ždiar.
The gazebo was first moved to the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Nový Smokovec. A replica of it now stands next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in Starý Smokovec.
Memorial Masses
Services commemorating the Pope’s visit are held at the cross in Velická Valley. The tradition was started on July 5, 2014, by Róbert Tokár, then pastor of the High Tatras parish.
John Paul II – Patron Saint of Mountain Rescuers in Slovakia
On October 21, 2012, John Paul II was declared the patron saint of the Mountain Rescue Service in Slovakia. The ceremony took place during Holy Mass at the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Terchová.
Apostolic Nuncio Mario Giordana read the decree of the Holy See and presented it to HZS Director Jozef Janiga. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Bishop František Rábek, clergy, and mountain rescuers.
The idea of the patronage was supported by the rescuers themselves. The Pope’s love for the mountains and his personal encounters with people who help others there gave this association special significance.
Follow in the footsteps of John Paul II.
Silesian House and Velická Valley
Stop by the hotel that John Paul II visited in 1995. The cross above its terrace serves as a reminder of this event.
You can combine your visit with exploring Velická Valley, Velické Lake, and the waterfall. The mountain setting here provides a space for relaxation and a quiet reminder of the pope’s connection to nature.
Memorial Sites in Starý Smokovec
Gazebo by the Church
A wooden replica near the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary refers to the gazebo built for the Pope at Velické Lake.
Commemorative plaque on the church
A plaque commemorating John Paul II has been mounted on the church’s facade since June 26, 2005.
Vila Čučoriedka
The villa is associated with the stays of the young Karol Wojtyła in 1957 and 1961. A plaque on the building commemorates his visits.
A Tribute to Mountain Rescuers
In Starý Smokovec, you’ll also find a commemorative plaque linking the Pope’s legacy to the memory of the rescuers who lost their lives in the Mlynická Valley on June 25, 1979.
An Ice Tribute to John Paul II
During the 2024/2025 season
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the Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok featured depictions of Wawel Cathedral and St. Adalbert’s Church in Krakow. Both buildings are linked to the life and work of John Paul II.
A portrait of the pope was placed beneath the clock tower. The clock showed 9:37 p.m., commemorating the moment of his death. Visitors could step inside the ice walls and also view a depiction of the Wawel Dragon.
This year’s ice dome was open to the public from November 15, 2024, to April 21, 2025.
The Rosary Garden in Starý Smokovec
In 2025, a Rosary Garden dedicated to St. John Paul II was established next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
This spiritual space commemorates his visit to the Tatra Mountains and offers a place for prayer and contemplation. The garden was solemnly blessed by František Trstenský, Bishop of Spiš. You can visit it during a walk, along with other memorial sites near the church.
John Paul II and His Slovak Legacy
To mark the 30th anniversary of his visit, an exhibition dedicated to the pope and his relationship with Slovakia was organized. It was on display at the Parish Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Nový Smokovec from June 16 to September 30, 2025.
A Journey Through History
The anniversary also featured themed events and tours of Smokovec. These linked sacred monuments, memorials, and the Stations of the Cross with the story of the Pope’s visit and the exhibition in Nový Smokovec.
Tak to u nás vyzerá. Pozrite sa
Must-See Places. Discover them one by one
Every corner of the Tatra Mountains has its own story. Discover the places that shape the character of the region.
Webkamery
Poprad
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Lomnický štít
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Tatranská Lomnica
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Starý Smokovec
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Hrebienok
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Štrbské Pleso
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Skalnaté pleso
-2°C
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Solisko
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