Redemptorist Monastery in Gliwice

The Redemptorist Monastery at Daszyńskiego 2 in Gliwice is a historic four-wing complex built in the 17th century. It is entered in the heritage register, and the Redemptorists have lived in it since 1945.

History of the monastery

In 1612 a Reformed Franciscan, Father Bonawentura, came to Gliwice, and the town authorities handed over to him the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with an adjoining garden. The four-wing monastery was built in 1655-1668. After a fire in 1677 the church and monastery were rebuilt by 1683. In that same year John III Sobieski, on his way to Vienna, stayed at the monastery; in remembrance the king planted several lime trees, the last of which survived until 1929.

From dissolution to the Redemptorists

In 1810 the Prussian king Frederick William III dissolved monasteries and religious orders, and a year later the friars left the building, which passed into the ownership of the town. From 1816 a Catholic grammar school was housed here. In 1921 the first Redemptorist came to Gliwice, in 1924 the monastery was handed over to the order, and in 1945 it was taken over by Polish Redemptorists.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Ignacego Daszyńskiego 2, Gliwice.
• This is an active monastery, so the interiors are not usually visited; you can view the building from the outside on a walk through the centre, where Gliwice Piast Castle also stands.