Church of St Martin in Lelów

The Church of St Martin in Lelów, on ulica Klasztorna, is a parish church and the shrine of Our Lady the Comforter of Lelów. Its foundation is attributed to Casimir the Great, and the heritage register dates the building to the 16th century. The building is listed in the heritage register.

History of the church

The church burnt down in 1638. Around 1831 the altar with the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Consolation was moved to the church from the former Franciscan church, which had been pulled down by the tsarist authorities. On the evening of 4 September 1939 the German occupiers set fire to the church. An 18th-century crucifix survived the fire and stands today in the chancel, and four residents who refused to set fire to the crucifix were murdered. After the war the church was rebuilt.

The shrine

A new painting of Our Lady of Consolation was blessed in 1948, crowned in 1949, and in 1960 the church received the status of shrine. In Lelów, a few dozen metres from the church, you can also see the synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Klasztorna 6, Lelów.
• The church is in use; when visiting the interior, take services into account.