All Saints' Church in Sieroty

All Saints' Church in Sieroty, a village in the Wielowieś municipality near Toszek, combines two building techniques: the chancel is built of stone, while the nave and tower are wooden. The church stands on the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesian Voivodeship.

From Gothic to Baroque

The first mentions of the village date from 1299, and a church probably stood here as early as the 13th century. The present building was put up in stages: the masonry chancel with a wooden roof structure is dated to 1427, the wooden nave to 1456-1457. From the 15th century until 1629 the church served as a Protestant place of worship. Around 1775 a tower joined to the nave was built, while the earlier one stood beside the church. Traces of successive periods can be seen in the structure: two Gothic stages, a Renaissance one and at least two Baroque ones.

Construction and interior

The nave is of log construction in fir and oak, the tower is of post construction, in pine, and the roofs are covered with shingles. In the chancel there is a patron's box. The tower holds a bell from around 1500. In the interior, Gothic polychromes from the 15th century have survived, uncovered in 1935-1936 and renewed in 2003-2006. The late Renaissance high altar dates from 1622, the side altars are Neo-Baroque and the pulpit is Baroque. In the gallery stands an 18th-century organ.

The church is surrounded by a cemetery with a stone wall from the 18th century. By it stand a cross from 1892 and a monument to those killed in both world wars.

Nearby

It is about six kilometres from here to Toszek Castle. Closer, in neighbouring villages, stand St Lawrence's Church in Zacharzowice and the Manor House in Wielowieś.

Practical information

• Location: Sieroty, Wielowieś municipality, Gliwice County.
• The church is active, and visits to the interior depend on the parish. It is worth checking whether you can enter on the parish website before your visit.
• Next to the church is a cemetery, so quiet is required.