Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Żarnowiec

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Żarnowiec is a brick, Gothic parish church, built in the 14th century during the reign of Casimir the Great. It stands on the north-eastern edge of the Silesian Voivodeship, in the Żarnowiec municipality, and belongs to the Diocese of Kielce.

History of the building

The church was built in 1323-1340. In 1528 it was destroyed by fire, and the rebuilding was achieved through the efforts of Krzysztof Szydłowski. The heritage register dates the building to the mid-14th century and describes it as a Gothic brick structure. A thorough renovation was carried out in 1910, and in 1979 the interior was renewed.

Interior

The high altar contains a painting of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The side altars are decorated with paintings of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary with Child, and all are surrounded by carved figures of saints and angels.

Nearby

About a kilometre from the church lies the New Jewish Cemetery in Żarnowiec. Another historic church, St Adalbert's Church in Łany Wielkie, is less than three kilometres away.

Practical information

• Place: Żarnowiec, Zawiercie County.
• The church is active and a parish church; the interior is visited outside services, and it is worth checking the rules of access with the parish.