Church of St James the Apostle in Giebło

The Church of St James the Apostle stands on a hill in the centre of Giebło, in Ogrodzieniec municipality. It was built of ashlar stone in the Romanesque style, and its origins are dated to the mid-12th century.

From a Romanesque building to the rebuilding of the early 20th century

The exact date of construction is not known, and the age was determined by architectural analysis. Until the early 20th century the church survived in almost unchanged form. In 1900-1912 a thorough rebuilding was carried out: the chancel and the eastern part of the nave were raised by about a metre, the nave was extended to the west, and the old tower was replaced with a new one. A brick sacristy was also added. The church is surrounded by a stone wall from 1787, and the interior was renovated in 1934.

What to see

The west façade is formed by a single-bay tower with a pointed roof and two slightly recessed porches. Both from outside and inside you can see a walled-up Romanesque semicircular portal in the south wall of the nave. The boundary between the old and new parts of the church is shown by the terracotta floor. The chancel is covered with a brick cross vault, and the nave has a flat, painted ceiling.

The furnishings include three wooden altars: the main one with a painting of the Merciful Jesus and a figure of the patron, and the side ones of Our Lady of Graces and St Anthony. A bell with an inscription dated 1825 hangs in the tower.

Nearby

Giebło lies near the castles of the Jura. About 5 km from here rise the ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle, and the Trail of the Eagles' Nests runs through the area. Also close is the stronghold on Birów Hill.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Częstochowska, Giebło.
• The church is in use as a parish church, so access to the interior depends on parish life.