Churches & monasteries

Castle Chapel of St Thomas Becket in Racibórz

The Castle Chapel of St Thomas Becket in Racibórz is the most valuable surviving part of the former Piast Castle and one of Upper Silesia’s key Gothic monuments. It was built at the end of the 13th century in the castle at 2 Zamkowa Street.

Foundation and medieval history

The chapel’s origins are linked to the conflict between Duke Henry IV Probus and Thomas II, Bishop of Wrocław. After the bishop was given refuge in Racibórz, a church dedicated to Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury, was established. It served as a collegiate church and remained connected with court life and the cult of relics of the True Cross for centuries.

Gothic details and restoration

The chapel is a two-storey, three-bay building with a rib vault and tracery windows. It retains canonical sedilia, an old passage arrangement within the thickness of the eastern wall and medieval stone details. After restoration completed in 2016, furnishings returned to the chapel, including 19th-century altar fragments, a painting by Jan Bochenek and saints’ figures. Its good acoustics also suit concerts held here.

Visiting the castle

The Piast Castle’s current visitor information states that the chapel can be visited free of charge, without buying a ticket, from 10:00 to 18:00. Hours can change for events or organisational reasons, so check the castle website before travelling. Plan time for the whole complex, including the ducal house, courtyard, malt house and tourist information point. Address: 2 Zamkowa Street, 47-400 Racibórz.