Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Miasteczko Śląskie-Żyglin

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in the highest part of Żyglin, a district of Miasteczko Śląskie, and is the village's landmark. It is entered in the heritage register, and its walls are built of Żyglin limestone and brick.

Three churches

The first church was wooden and was consecrated in 1253, but it was destroyed in 1700. The second, also wooden, was built in 1703-1705. In 1835 the landrat ordered the church to be closed because of its poor condition, and in 1838 the ministry in Berlin agreed to a new building. The design was prepared by the Gliwice building inspector Feller. The masonry church was built in 1840-1842 and consecrated on 24 November 1842.

Tower and interior

The tower was added in 1873 or 1874 to a design by August Hannig of Bytom. The church has a single nave; sources describe its style in different ways, as arcaded, neo-Romanesque or neo-Gothic. In front of the entrance stand two figures in the academic style, of the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist, entered in the register of movable monuments. Baroque elements from the previous church have survived inside, and the paintings were made by the Wrocław painter Höcker. Two side altars were consecrated in 1853.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Śląska 40, Miasteczko Śląskie (Żyglin).
• This is an active parish church; the interior is usually open during services.
• The nearest sight is Rubin Park in Miasteczko Śląskie, about 1.6 km away.