Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Wilamowice

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Wilamowice is the fourth church in the history of the parish, built of cast concrete stone blocks on the model of the Neo-Gothic St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. The main tower is 72 metres high including the cross, and since 2012 the church has housed the shrine of St Joseph Bilczewski.

A building project lasting decades

Construction of the present church began in 1923. The church was to have rich Neo-Gothic architecture modelled on St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. The economic crisis of the 1930s, the war and the post-war period practically halted work, until the fire of the old church in September 1957. Thanks to the generosity of parishioners and the parish priest Franciszek Piela, the construction was brought far enough along that the church was blessed in 1960.

In 1980-1984 the main tower and five small side turrets were built. The church was consecrated on 21 March 1993 by the Bishop of Bielsko-Żywiec, Tadeusz Rakoczy. The parish is still adding to and furnishing the interior and surroundings.

Interior and shrine

In 1988 the Wilamowice sculptor Kazimierz Danek carved the Stations of the Cross, as well as the high altar and side altars. One of the chapels was dedicated to the holy Archbishop Józef Bilczewski, and his relics were placed in it. By a decree of 20 October 2012 the Shrine of the Holy Archbishop Józef Bilczewski was established in the church.

Practical information

• Village: Wilamowice, Bielsko County. The verified sources do not give an exact address.
• A parish church, open during services. Check the hours with the parish.
• About 700 metres further on is the Museum of Wilamowice Culture.
• In Stara Wieś, a few kilometres from here, there is a regional room.