St Barbara's Chapel in Bytom

St Barbara's Chapel stands on the Gryca rise in Bytom-Miechowice, on the edge of a park. It is a Neo-Gothic brick building from 1850, dedicated to the patron saint of miners. Since 2017 it has been entered in the heritage register together with the park surrounding it.

Foundation and history

The chapel was founded by Franz von Winckler, owner of Miechowice. The design is attributed to Richard Lucae, but this is not certain, and some sources state that the chapel was built even before 1850. In 1856 a small turret was added on the roof. The consecration took place on 2 September 1900. The place is linked with a tradition of a luminous cross seen on the hill on All Souls' Day, which is said to have prompted the building of the chapel.

The building and interior

The free-standing, single-nave, orientated chapel has one interior with a cross vault and a modestly furnished altar. Since around 2000 a triptych of St Barbara from the pay hall of the Miechowice mine has hung in it. Next to it stands a wooden votive cross from 1934.

Damage

During the Second World War a side wall was damaged, and after 1960 the chapel was renovated. Around 2015 the building suffered from mining damage, and the stone turret fell, and the remaining part was secured. The structure has also been vandalised many times.

Practical information

• Location: ul. Drobczyka, Bytom-Miechowice, on Góra Gryca.
• The chapel belongs to the Holy Cross parish in Bytom-Miechowice; it is worth asking the parish about the possibility of going inside.