Co-Cathedral of St Hedwig in Zielona Góra

The Co-Cathedral of St Hedwig of Silesia at 14 Mickiewicza Street is the oldest surviving monument in Zielona Góra. Founded by the dukes of Głogów in the 13th century, the church combines a Gothic hall with later alterations and furnishings from several periods. It makes a useful stop in the city centre and on a walk towards Zielona Góra’s wine hills.

Gothic hall and history

Construction began in 1272 and the church was consecrated in 1294. The three-nave hall church has brick elevations, buttresses, pointed-arch windows and portals. The tower was probably added in the 16th century and raised in 1832, changing part of the building’s original character. In 1992 the church became a co-cathedral of the Zielona Góra–Gorzów diocese.

What to see inside

Look for the Gothic arcades and chancel arch, sculptures of St Hedwig and Anna Selbdritt, the wooden gallery from 1672 and the Baroque organ case. The presbytery contains a triptych of the Mysteries of the Rosary, while epitaphs, tomb slabs and later stained glass survive elsewhere in the church. A Baroque statue of St John of Nepomuk stands outside.

Practical information

The co-cathedral is an active church, so visit outside services and keep quiet. Entry is free, but access may change during liturgies, concerts or organ work. Check parish notices before travelling. Allow 30–45 minutes for the interior and surroundings, then continue towards the market square and Winne Wzgórze.