Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Bytom

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross stands in the centre of Bytom at ul. Juliusza Ligonia 2. It was built in 1936-1937 in the style of monumental Constructivism and consecrated on 31 October 1937.

Competition and construction

The design was chosen in a competition entered by three architects: Otto Linder of Stuttgart, Otto Hammerling of Gliwice and Theodor Ehl of Bytom. Linder won, and Ehl was appointed construction manager. The interior was decorated by, among others, the painter Platzek of Kluczbork (sgraffito, wall painting and the Way of the Cross) and Meyer of Munich (stained glass).

Architecture

The church is free-standing and has the form of a rotunda with a semicircular chancel. The interior rests on pillars that turn into ribs supporting the dome, and the load-bearing structure is reinforced concrete. The bell tower by the chancel also serves as a clock tower, and an arcaded passage links the presbytery with the church. The design draws on the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Racibórz.

From the history of the parish

The parish was established three years after the consecration. In 1984 Mass was celebrated here by Blessed Fr Jerzy Popiełuszko.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Juliusza Ligonia 2, Bytom.
• Closer to Szombierki you will find the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Szombierki Heat and Power Plant.
• The church is active; check service times with the parish.