Church of St Hedwig of Silesia in Katowice-Szopienice

The Church of St Hedwig of Silesia stands on plac Powstańców Śląskich in Szopienice, a district of Katowice. It is a Neo-Gothic brick church with a single tower, 43 metres high.

Construction

The previous sandstone church was too small for the parish. The foundation stone was blessed on 15 October 1884 (the heritage register gives 1885 as the start of construction), and construction lasted until 1887. The designer was Carl Gustav Grundmann. The church was blessed on 11 October 1887 and solemnly consecrated on 1 May 1902. Next to it stands the Garden of Gethsemane chapel from 1903, designed by Ludwik Schneider.

Interior

The church has three aisles, a transept and a narrow chancel closed on five sides. The furnishings were completed over several years: the sacristy and porch were added in 1897, electric light was installed in 1900, and the interior was painted in 1902. The church contains the sculptural groups “Adoration of the Cross” and “Pietà”. A renovation in 2002 restored the chancel, the high altar and the rood beam.

Nearby

Less than a kilometre away is the Walcownia Zinc Rolling Mill (Zinc Metallurgy Museum).

Practical information

• Address: plac Powstańców Śląskich 3, Katowice-Szopienice.
• The church is in use; visiting hours for the interior are given by the parish.