Chapel of St Hedwig of Silesia on Zadni Groń in Wisła-Czarne

The Chapel of St Hedwig of Silesia stands on Zadni Groń in Wisła, on the grounds of the Polish president's residence in Czarne. It was built in the Tyrolean style in 1909 on the initiative of Archduke Frederick of Habsburg and belongs to the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesian Voivodeship.

What the chapel looks like

The building is covered with shingles, and a small tower stands on the chapel's axis. The church is oriented, meaning the chancel faces east, and there is a small sacristy on the left side. The separate bell tower in the form of a campanile dates from 2004, is 10 metres high and has three bells from the Felczyński bell foundry.

The altar from Zaolzie

In the chancel stands an altar from the first half of the 17th century in the Mannerist style. At its centre is a painting, “The Way of the Cross”, from 1683, and above it a painting of the Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The altar comes from the no longer existing Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Bystrzyca, in what is now Zaolzie. After the church was pulled down in 1897 it went to a museum in Cieszyn, and Archduke Frederick bought it from the General Vicariate to complete the chapel's furnishings.

Gifts and events

The chapel holds gifts from successive presidents and their wives, among them a figure of St Hedwig of Silesia, a baptismal font and a crucifix with relics from the Holy Land. There is also a brass tabernacle with silver ornament and a bas-relief, “The Lady of Szczyrk and St James”. An ecumenical service was held here after the Smolensk air disaster.

Practical information

• Location: Zadni Groń, Wisła-Czarne, on the grounds of the presidential residence.
• Evangelical and Catholic services are held on Sundays, and entry is possible on presentation of an ID card. Check the times and rules before you go.
• Nearby is Lake Czerniańskie.