Corpus Christi Church in Międzylesie

Above the nave floats a gilded boat with a mast and sail – it is the pulpit from which sermons were preached. The Corpus Christi Church in Międzylesie is also physically linked to the neighbouring castle: the lords of the estate walked to Mass along a covered gallery without setting foot in the street.

History: Hussites, Lutherans, Swedes

The first, wooden church was recorded in the 14th century. In 1428 it was burned by the Hussites; the next, also wooden church was pulled down in 1595 during the Reformation. The brick church was built in 1600–1613. In 1643 it was looted by Swedish troops, and in 1712–1713 it was restored and embellished by the Althann family, the owners of Międzylesie. The west tower was designed by J. Carowe in 1699. The church was damaged in the great town fire of 1776, and in 1778 it was joined to the castle by a covered brick passage.

What to look for

• The pulpit of 1760 in the shape of a boat, with reliefs of St Christopher, St Augustine on the seashore, St Anthony preaching to the fish and Jonah thrown into the sea – a whole maritime programme in one piece of furniture.
• The organ – its case of 1745 was built by K. Krause of Międzylesie; the instrument had 27 stops. It stands on a two-tier gallery.
• Statues of 1713 in the chancel: St John of Nepomuk, St Eligius, St John the Evangelist and St John the Baptist.
• The vault of 1818 with paintings by Retman of Lądek-Zdrój – it replaced the old painted ceiling.
• The covered passage to the castle – visible from the courtyard by the church gate.

Tripto tip

The church is in the centre, a few steps from the market square with its Marian column and from the castle – seeing all three takes about an hour. Allow 20–30 minutes for the church interior; it is best to come before or after Mass. The distinctive tower with its onion dome is best photographed from the square or from the upper part of town.