Wooden Church in Wierzbno

Key information

The parish church of St. Leonard the Abbot in Wierzbie near Praszka is an example of wooden religious architecture in northern Opole Voivodeship. Despite later alterations, it preserves the traditional Late Gothic form of a Wieluń-type wooden church. It stands in the village near the junction of the main road and the road to Ożarów.

History and architecture

The church dates from the beginning of the 16th century. The parish may have existed as early as the 15th century, was later affiliated with Ożarów and restored as an independent parish in the early 20th century. The nave and chancel use log construction; the church is single-nave and oriented. Shingles cover the walls and roof, while the western tower was incorporated into the body and enclosed with annexes. A distinctive detail is the moulded portal from around 1522. Later extensions changed the silhouette but did not erase its historic character.

Interior and visiting

Inside, look for the rood beam with crucifix, the 18th-century Late Baroque main altar with a Neo-Gothic triptych, two side altars and an 18th-century pulpit with images of the Evangelists. The period furnishings also include a confessional and pews. This is an active parish: the exterior is publicly accessible, while the interior can be visited during services or by arrangement with the parish priest. Parish address: Wierzbie 45, 46-320 Wierzbie, Poland; phone: +48 34 359 28 44. No fixed sightseeing hours or admission fee have been confirmed. Check current Mass times and interior access before travelling.