ŻUKOWO - St Sigismund Church
CHURCH
IN ŻUKOWO
According to the expertise of archaeologists working in this place, the parish could have existed already in the 12th century. Researchers found traces of burials with pagan urns containing ashes and skeletons buried in coffins, the latter being a Christian practice.
Until 1599, a wooden church had been operational in Żukowo, but unfortunately did not stand the test of time. The next century brought about the construction of another church, which lasted until the third quarter of the 18th century. The building we are inviting you to see was built in 1785. In the beginning, it had a different shape, and the current one is the result of the overhaul in 1878. The straightened-out walls were reinforced with horizontal wall plates. In addition, the structure was supported by ten pillars and thus gained a nave and two aisles. The presbytery gained two windows and galleries, the side entrance was filled in and two porches were removed.
The building certainly leaves an impression on every visitor. The big wooden structure, surrounded by trees and a stony low wall stands out against the surroundings. Large stairs, also made of stone, lead to the entrance. Wooden facade beams, placed at a slant, create a beautiful pattern.
The inside of the church is the effect of the works carried out in the seventies of the 20th century. The walls were planked. The first element of the interior that immediately catches the eye is the wooden baptismal font. It was executed in the 18th century and looks like a decorated vase. The cover imitates the mythical horn of plenty. It is placed on a thick, fluted column. Among other interior decorations we can notice the Baroque crucifix from the 18th century (right side wall) and the organ executed in 1867 in Warsaw. It is worth paying attention to the copper stoup. It dates back to the 18th century and is not the only one here. Two others, made of granite, are situated on the outside. They were executed over a span of the 15th and the 16th centuries. Those who visit the parish in Żukowo may want to look up as the coffer ceiling is exceptionally pretty.
The church boasts three altars from the 19th century. The main altar holds an 18th century crucifix and an oil painting depicting St Roch. Additionally, there is the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, brought from Jasna Góra. The patron saint, St Sigismund, looks at us from the painting in the right, side altar, which was made by Antoni Murzynowski in 1874. Other noteworthy paintings in the nave: the 18th century image of St Marc and the view of Płock, as well as the painting depicting St Jerome. The second patron saint of the parish is St Lawrence and his picture, also painted by Antoni Murzynowski, can be found in the church.
ŻUKOWO - St Sigismund Church
COFUNDED BY THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE
ORIGINATING FROM CULTURE PROMOTION FUND