Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Bazylika Najświętszego Serca Jezusowego)

Built in the early 20th century, this is one of the most impressive religious buildings in the capital. The construction was initiated by Princess Maria Radziwiłłowa from Zawisza; the founder received the blessing of Pope Pius X on the endowment of a new temple in Praga, and the hand-written document by the Holy Father on this matter is carefully kept in the archives of the parish. In 1923, Pope Pius XI consecrated the temple and gave it the title of the Minor Basilica. The Princess' wish was that the temple would also be an educational centre for children and in 1931, in accordance with the wishes of the then-deceased Princess, the church was taken by the Salesians. The architecture of the temple is modeled on the Roman basilica of St. Paul, frescoes found in its interiors are modeled on the Byzantine art, and in the soaring belfry (built in the 1990s) there is a bell from 1712.
The Basilica has served various functions: in times of war, secret lessons were held in its basement and persons sought by the occupying authorities were hidden here. Today it hosts numerous charity activities, and on its property there is an environmental room, a Catholic Guidance and Counseling Centre and a team of volunteers helping those in need.