CIECHOCINEK - Collegiate Church of SS. Peter and Paul the Apostles
This church is inextricably linked with the tourist and thermal character of Ciechocinek. The visitors who came to the city in the 19th century often complained about the lack of a larger place of worship in the area. Ciechocinek had a chapel with a chaplain but there had been no real church until 1874, when the cornerstone for the construction of the future church was laid.
COLLEGIATE CHURCH
IN CIECHOCINEK
This church is inextricably linked with the tourist and thermal character of Ciechocinek. The visitors who came to the city in the 19th century often complained about the lack of a larger place of worship in the area. Ciechocinek had a chapel with a chaplain but there had been no real church until 1874, when the cornerstone for the construction of the future church was laid. The chapel was used until 1882.
The main founder of the church was the Mineral Water Company in Ciechocinek that managed the spa, but local landowners, residents of Ciechocinek and visitors also significantly contributed to the project. In 2018, the church became a collegiate church and the seat of the Ciechocinek Collegiate Chapter.
From the very beginning of the tour, tourists are struck by the façade of the church. Built of red brick in neo-Gothic style, it invokes the lightness and slenderness of old cathedrals. Superb interior decorations, ornaments and stained-glass windows did not survive in their original shape as the two world wars did not spare the region.
Nevertheless, this collegiate church is an exceptional place on the sacred map of Poland. In addition to the beautiful design and very bright interior, it is worth noting magnificent stained-glass windows depicting the rulers of Poland. However, the one that stands out is the stained-glass window dedicated to the Our Lady, Queen of Poland situated above the entrance to the nave. The polychromy, representing Biblical scenes and recent events in the history of the Church, contrasts with the white of the walls. Among them, there are scenes presenting the tragedy of the Second World War and German concentration camps.
The pulpit with winding stairs leading to it certainly deserves attention. It is supported by a characteristic spiral column, and the inside is decorated with an image of the Holy Spirit represented by a dove.
Ciechocinek | Collegiate Church of SS. Peter and Paul the Apostles
COFUNDED BY THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE
ORIGINATING FROM CULTURE PROMOTION FUND