Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Częstochowa

A neo-Gothic rectoral church in Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny in Częstochowa, built in 1859-1862 of stone and brick. It formerly belonged to a convent of Mariavite sisters and is now entered in the heritage register.

History of the church

The church was built around 1859-1862 as the church of a convent of Mariavite sisters. In 1901-1905 it was closed, later served as a school church, and since 13 November 1988 it has had the status of a rectoral church. The name of the designer is not given in the available sources.

Architecture and interior

The building is neo-Gothic, on a rectangular plan, a hall church. The ceiling is divided into coffers with rosettes. The walls are covered with Modernist paintings in regular arrangements that emphasise the divisions of the architecture, with stylised flowers, peacock feathers and monograms of Jesus and Mary. The most elaborate composition shows the Polish people under a banner with Our Lady of Częstochowa at the foot of the “stairs of paradise”; in the background angels sing, and at the top Mary is enthroned with an image of Christ on a shield, adored by Polish saints. The organ from 1936 was built by the firm of Stefan Truszczyński of Włocławek: it has 12 stops, two manuals and a pedal, and the neo-Gothic case dates from the same year. An earlier organ by Józef Szymański from 1864 now stands in the village of Kolano.

Nearby

It is less than a kilometre to Jasna Góra Monastery. Close by are also the Częstochowa Museum and the Church of St James.

Practical information

• Address: Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny 56a, Częstochowa.
• The church is active; opening hours and access to the interior are given by the rectory.