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Sacred Heart Basilica in Augustów

The Minor Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Augustów is a distinctive brick church in the town centre, built in an eclectic style at the beginning of the 20th century. Its interior retains historic altars, paintings and modern stained glass, and the church remains an important place of worship for residents and visitors. Combine it with a walk through Augustów and along the Netta River.

History and architecture

The church was built between 1906 and 1911 on the site of the demolished Classical Church of St Bartholomew. It was designed on a Latin-cross plan. The building was partly damaged during the war, but after reconstruction it retained its strong form and brick elevations. In 2001 it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica.

What to see

Inside are five oak altars. The high altar contains an image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, covered by a representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Notice the paintings by artists from Vilnius and Częstochowa, as well as the modern stained-glass windows. The clear interior arrangement shows how older furnishings were combined with later additions.

Practical information

The basilica is at 4 Father Skorupki Street in Augustów. It is an active church, so plan a visit outside services and keep quiet inside. Mass times are not the same as tourist visiting hours; check the parish’s current schedule and any access restrictions before travelling. You can combine the church with a walk through central Augustów, but do not assume that areas beyond the main nave are always open.