St Nicholas's Church in Mikołów-Bujaków

St Nicholas's Church in Bujaków, a district of Mikołów, is a brick church from around 1500 and the Shrine of Our Lady of Bujaków, Guardian of the Natural Environment. The heritage register dates it to the 16th century.

The shrine and the statue of Our Lady

The church was built around 1500. The altar in the chancel from 1996 is modelled on a wooden altar of 1888, of which the figure of a pelican at the top has survived. In the central part, behind a movable painting of the patron saint, stands the statue of Our Lady of Bujaków from around 1480. It was solemnly crowned in 2000 by Bishop Damian Zimoń. In this way the church gained the rank of a shrine.

The figure of St Peter stands on a board from which the altar was made; John Paul II celebrated Mass at that altar during his visit to Skoczów.

Interior

The walls of the chancel and chapels were done in the sgraffito technique and decorated with paintings. The pictures in the main nave show three sacrifices described in the Holy Scriptures: Abel, Abraham with Isaac, and Christ on Golgotha. One of the chapels is dedicated to Divine Mercy, the other to St Joseph. The main nave, the oldest part of the church, has a different style: gilding on the walls and a ceiling covered with boards.

A historic font from the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries has survived. In the gallery stands an organ from 1889, which requires a thorough renovation. Four bells hang in the tower: “St Nicholas”, “Mary”, “Barbara” and “Konstanty”. The stained-glass windows show Saints Adalbert, Hyacinth, Isidore, Francis, Anthony, Hedwig, Barbara, Anne and Christopher.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Ks. Franciszka Górka 58, Mikołów-Bujaków.
• It is a working parish church and shrine, so during services limit your visit to a quiet entrance.
• The rules of visits are given by the parish.

In the area lies Chudów Castle, about five kilometres from here.