Churches & monasteries

Wooden Church of St. Hedwig in Zabrze

Key information

St. Hedwig’s Church in Zabrze’s Poremba district is an unusual wooden church from the interwar period. It stands at 504 Wolności Street and remains an active parish church. Its oval, twelve-sided body with four towers combines timber construction and modernism.

History and architecture

The St. Hedwig community was established in 1929 after separating from St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The church was built in 1928–1929 because mining damage made a heavier masonry structure unsuitable. The designer and construction manager was Karl Kattenidt; the foundation stone was laid on 8 July 1928 and the church was blessed on 25 August 1929. The oval building has twelve sides and four low towers with copper caps. The National Heritage Board classifies it as Modernist. It became a parish church after the Second World War and has been listed since 8 June 2008.

Interior and planning your visit

Most furnishings were added in 1930–1941. The high altar features reliefs of St. Hedwig; above the tabernacle are angels and a Crucifixion Group. The nave contains a triptych image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Stations of the Cross and a decorated wooden ceiling. The organ came from Lutynia and was made in 1883. Regular sightseeing access is not guaranteed; visit outside Mass or arrange access. The parish lists Masses at 07:30, 09:15, 10:30, 12:00 and 16:30 on Sundays, and 07:00 and 18:00 on weekdays. Confirm the schedule: 504 Wolności Street, 41-806 Zabrze, +48 32 271 46 77 or +48 501 378 372, tomasz.sekowski@gmail.com.