Church of Saints Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia in Pietrowice Wielkie

The Church of Saints Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia stands on 1 Maja street in Pietrowice Wielkie, in Racibórz County. It is a brick, Gothic church with one tower, whose main mass probably dates from the 16th century, while the heritage register dates it to the 15th century. Its present shape, with a transept, is due to the rebuilding of 1935.

A tower made of castle stones

The tower was erected in 1822 from stones from a demolished castle, and an inscription with this date can still be seen on it. In 1935 it was decided to enlarge the old church, already too small. The district conservator did not agree to its demolition, regarding it as a monument, so only the former chancel was pulled down, a transept was added and the chancel was recreated in the old style. The tower was raised by 180 centimetres. The work was carried out by a firm from Bytom, and the consecration on 22 December 1935 was performed by Bishop Josef Schinzel of Olomouc.

Interior and bells

The church has a single nave with a transept and three altars. The high altar was made of Upper Silesian marble, the figures are the work of Silesian sculptors, and the stained-glass windows were made in a workshop in Mainz. The organ has 27 stops and was built by a firm from Nysa. In 1925 three bronze bells were bought, requisitioned in 1942 for war purposes. Today four hang in the tower: Guardian Angel, St Vitus, Our Lady of Good Counsel and Christ the King.

Nearby

Not far away stands the second historic church of the village, the Church of the Holy Cross. It is a few kilometres from here to Racibórz, where there is, among others, the Church of Our Lady.

Practical information

• Address: ul. 1 Maja 29, Pietrowice Wielkie.
• This is an active parish church; the rules for visiting the interior are given by the parish.