Basilica of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Dąbrowa Górnicza

The Basilica of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Neo-Gothic church in Strzemieszyce Wielkie, a district of Dąbrowa Górnicza. It has been a shrine since 2002 and has held the title of minor basilica since 2008.

How was the church built?

On the site of the church there first stood a large chapel from the early 20th century. Its enlargement began in 1903 on the initiative of Father Tadeusz Konarski, parish priest of Gołonóg. Construction was completed in 1910, without the planned tower. The church was blessed on 8 December 1910, and the formal consecration took place only in 1959.

The building was electrified in 1918, and an organ was installed in 1971-1972. The Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was established in 2002, and the title of minor basilica was granted in 2008, with the ceremony held in 2009. In 2019 the church was entered in the heritage register.

What is the church like inside?

The three-nave brick building was built to a design by Józef Stefan Pomian-Pomianowski. A small bell turret rises over the crossing.

In the chancel stands a Neo-Gothic high altar of oak, richly gilded. At its centre is a life-size figure of Christ pointing to his Heart, donated in 1941. The church has stained-glass windows with biblical scenes and images of saints, side altars of Our Lady of Częstochowa and of Divine Mercy, and relics, including those of St Faustina Kowalska, St Padre Pio and St Anthony of Padua. A monument to John Paul II has also been unveiled here.

Practical information

• Address: Ofiar Katynia 34a, Strzemieszyce Wielkie, Dąbrowa Górnicza.
• This is an active parish shrine. Check with the parish for service times and visiting hours.
• The city also has the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.