Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Żywiec

The Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross stands in Żywiec, in the Sporysz district, on Sporyska street. It belongs to the parish of Christ the King. It was built in 1936-1938 and is connected with a cross that previously hung in the church in Żywiec.

Where it came from

In 1931 a 15th-century cross from the side altar of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was moved under the gallery. Some of the residents of Sporysz did not want to accept this, and the cross began to be carried to a chapel beyond the Sporysz Bridge. It proved too small and could not be enlarged, so it was decided to build a new structure. The idea of building a chapel next to the Screw Factory aroused the dislike of some residents, which led to another being built on the other side of the river. This is the chapel dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, consecrated on 27 August 1939. It stood near an older church from the second half of the 19th century, demolished after the Second World War.

Furnishings

The chapel received a crucifix and four sculptures from around 1780, showing Mary, Mary Magdalene, St John and Salome. Earlier they had formed the setting of the cross in the altar of the co-cathedral in Żywiec, and after dismantling they were temporarily moved to the church in Juszczyna. In the chapel they were placed in niches in the walls. Next to it stands a stone figure of Jesus falling under the cross from the 18th century, which was originally in the chapel on Komorowskich street, destroyed during the war.

The centre of Żywiec, with the co-cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is less than two kilometres away.

Practical information

• Sporysz district, Sporyska street in Żywiec.
• Check service times and the possibility of going inside with the parish of Christ the King before a visit.