Gubalowka Chapel | Zakopane, Poland

I stumbled upon the Chapel on Gubałówka in Zakopane entirely by chance. I was so focused on capturing the majestic Tatra Mountains that I nearly missed this hidden gem. On my way back, I finally saw it—a picturesque wooden chapel atop a snow-draped hill, framed by a rustic wooden gate. The scene was breathtaking, made even more magical by the fresh snow sparkling under the sun.



Determined to capture its charm, I used my 12mm wide-angle lens, thankful for the switch to Sony that let me include the expansive sky and pristine snow in one frame. It was a rare moment—new snow and bright sunshine on the same day—making this discovery feel truly special.



But the chapel is more than just a pretty view. Built in 1961 by Marianna and Władysław Bachleda, it stands as a testament to faith and survival. During World War II, they hid partisans in the nearby spruce forest, vowing to build a place of worship if they survived. Years later, they fulfilled that promise using wood from the same forest.



This photo captures not just the chapel’s beauty but also its powerful story of hope and gratitude.