Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Skoczów

The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Skoczów, called the “szpitalik” (little hospital) by locals, grew out of the chapel of the town hospital, which has existed since the 14th century. It is a small, single-nave church about 18 metres long with a slender tower, connected with the memory of St John Sarkander.

From a hospital chapel to a parish church

First there was a wooden hospital chapel here, mentioned in 1484. Around 1540 the Reformation began in the Duchy of Cieszyn, the parish church was taken over by Evangelicals, and Catholics gathered in this chapel. In the first half of the 17th century it was already in ruins. The building was rebuilt in the 16th century and in the 19th century, when it acquired its present neo-Gothic appearance. The former hospital building adjoins the church and is now the presbytery. The interior was renovated in 1958.

Interior

The church has a single nave with a gallery, a barrel vault and a polygonal apse on the street side. The vault of the nave is decorated with a polychrome by Jakub Kawulok of Istebna on the themes of the baptism, martyrdom and glory of St John Sarkander. A stone font has survived, in which the future saint was probably baptised in December 1576.

Nearby

Nearby stands the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and further on the former synagogue.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Szpitalna 2, Skoczów.
• A parish church; the rules for entry are given by the parish.