Church of St Catherine of Alexandria in Toszek

The Church of St Catherine of Alexandria on Kościelna Street in Toszek was built in 1456 after the destruction caused by Hussite raids. It replaced a church dedicated to St Peter from 1165 and is still a parish church today.

Baroque rebuilding and the cult of the Sacred Heart

In 1713-1715 Baron Jan Dietrich von Peterwaldski carried out a major Baroque rebuilding, which is why the interior has a late Baroque decor from the first quarter of the 18th century. In 1762 Pope Clement XIII established at the church one of the few confraternities of Worshippers of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the world. Toszek then became a place of pilgrimage, and the church's second dedication is linked to this cult.

Structure, altars and organ

The rubble-stone building has three naves, with narrow side aisles separated by pilasters, and a single tower. Above the sacristy is a patron's gallery, and at the top a Latin motto from the Book of Genesis about the house of God and the gate of heaven is inscribed. The church has seven altars. The organ was built in 1844 by the Wrocław organ builder Moritz Robert Müller; the instrument has 16 stops, two manuals and a pedal. After renovation in 2010-2012 it was blessed in November 2011. Three cast-iron bells were cast in 1923.

Next to the castle

The church stands right by the town centre, a few hundred metres from the castle and the town hall. It is also worth looking at the Jewish cemetery and the cemetery chapel of St Barbara.

Practical information

• Address: ulica Kościelna 3, Toszek.
• This is a working parish church; whether the interior can be visited outside services should be arranged with the parish.