Church of St Nicholas in Racibórz

The Church of St Nicholas in Racibórz stands in the Stara Wieś district. It is a Neo-Gothic three-aisled church consecrated on 2 June 1902 and entered in the heritage register in 2024.

Construction

It was designed by the Silesian architect Ludwig Schneider. After two years of construction it was consecrated by the Bishop of Wrocław, Cardinal Georg Kopp. According to its description the church has excellent acoustics and can hold over 2,500 worshippers.

Furnishings

On the day of consecration the interior was fully furnished. The high altar, the altars of the Holy Sepulchre and of St Francis, and the pulpit were made by the Munich firm Mayer, and the altars of the Sacred Heart and of Our Lady of the Rosary by the Ulrich firm from Tyrol. Six bells were cast in 1901 at the Schilling bell foundry in Apolda, and the organ of 36 stops was built by the Rieger firm from Krnov.

Damage and changes

During the Second World War a bomb damaged the church: the stained glass was blown out, the pillars were destroyed, and the choir loft collapsed together with the organ. After the war the organ was pieced together from remnants and parts from the Franciscans in Opole, and in 1973 the polychromes were painted over.

Practical information

• Stara Wieś district, Racibórz.
• The church is active; check service times with the parish.
• In the town centre it is worth looking in at Racibórz Castle and the Roth Town Park.