Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Zawiercie

Basilica of St Peter and Paul in Zawiercie

The Minor Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 4 Sienkiewicza Street is one of Zawiercie’s best-known landmarks. This red-brick Polish Gothic Revival church was built in 1896–1903 to a design by Hugo Kuder. Its founders were Adolf and Izydor Ginsberg, connected with the town’s industrial development. The building has a Latin-cross plan, three aisles and five towers, including two tall towers on the front façade.

Gothic Revival architecture and furnishings

Outside, look for the red brick, pointed towers and pointed-arch windows. Inside, highlights include the marble high altar, the side altar of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and Neo-Gothic stained glass. Organ pipes can be seen above the entrance, while figures of saints stand by the pillars. The furnishings still serve the liturgy, so this is a working church rather than a museum.

Statue and basilica history

In front of the church stands a Neo-Gothic statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, with reliefs made in 1904 by Józef Proszowski. The church became a collegiate church in 1992 and was granted the title of minor basilica on 18 October 2009. It is listed as a protected monument.

Visiting and practical details

Admission is free, but this is an active place of worship without guaranteed tourist opening hours. Visit outside Masses and other services, keep quiet and dress modestly. Check the parish website for the current liturgical schedule before travelling. Allow about 20–30 minutes for the building, interior and statue.