Kościoły i klasztory: Będzin

Churches and monasteries in Będzin: the Gothic-Baroque Holy Trinity on the castle hill, the Baroque St Catherine's and a church in a former mine hall.

Six churches spread around Będzin cover the old centre, Grodziec, Łagisza and Koszelew. The oldest goes back to the 14th century, and one grew out of a mine building.

Which church in Będzin do you visit first?

Begin at the Church of the Holy Trinity, on the castle hill within the former stronghold, right next to the castle. It is a brick church with one nave and one tower, built around 1364, originally Gothic and Baroque in character after its extension. It is listed as a monument.

This layout shows Będzin in short, and for wider context see churches and monasteries in Silesia.

The old centre and the castle area

In 1560 the Church of the Holy Trinity was taken over by the Polish Brethren, and the Catholics of Będzin then built their own wooden church elsewhere. Today St Thomas Becket's Church stands on that spot, a brick cemetery church from 1834 with a Baroque altar and Gothic sculptures. It belongs to the Holy Trinity parish and lies near the castle.

Grodziec: two churches on hills

St Catherine's Church on Wolności Street began as a Baroque building in 1726-1729 and was enlarged considerably in the 1930s. Beside it stands a free-standing brick bell tower 35 metres tall. A parish in Grodziec was mentioned as early as 1326.

On St Dorothy's Hill, in the same district, stands St Dorothy's Church. It was raised in 1635 on the initiative of Fr Wojciech Lipnicki and funded by his relative Dorota Kącka, abbess of the Norbertine nuns. A stone wall surrounds the grounds, and the church is a branch of St Catherine's parish.

Łagisza and Koszelew: district churches

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Łagisza is a post-war parish church. Building began on 27 May 1946 to a design by Tadeusz Rudzki. Inside is a Way of the Cross from 1949.

St Barbara's Church in Koszelew has mining roots: it was set up in the rebuilt meeting hall of the Ksawery mine office. It holds a crowned painting of the Black Madonna.

What else to see in Będzin

After the churches you can continue to historic sites in Będzin or museums in Będzin. The districts lie apart, so several churches are best reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

Which church in Będzin is the oldest?

The oldest on the list is the Church of the Holy Trinity on the castle hill, built around 1364.

Is there a church linked to mining in Będzin?

Yes, St Barbara's in Koszelew was created from the meeting hall of the Ksawery mine office.

Where is the cemetery church in Będzin?

St Thomas Becket's Church from 1834 lies near the castle, close to the town centre.

How many churches are there in Grodziec?

Two are listed: St Catherine's and St Dorothy's on the hill.