Częstochowa is a city of tremendous religious and historical significance for Poles, and it’s easy to see why. Centred around the Jasna Góra monastery, home to the Black Madonna painting, the city is crammed with churches and other religious buildings. The most famous of these is the Pauline monastery, where the painting is housed in the main chapel. The monastery is also a popular place of pilgrimage, and the faithful come from all over Poland and beyond to pay their respects. Away from the religious sites, Częstochowa is a pleasant and lively city, with a good range of restaurants and bars. The city is also a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, including the beautiful mountain scenery of the Silesian Beskids.