Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Susanna in Stolec

The Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Susanna in Stolec is a Gothic monument in a former knights’ village near Ząbkowice Śląskie. Built at the end of the 13th century, it preserves a late-Gothic Holy Family triptych, 15th-century polychromy and paintings linked with the circle of Michael Willmann. It is a rewarding stop for visitors seeking less obvious Lower Silesian heritage.

A church in a former knights’ village

Stolec was a knights’ village and later the seat of a Free State Estate. The church was mentioned as early as 1251; the present Gothic building was erected at the end of the 13th century and remodelled in the early 16th century. Today it is a filial church of the parish of St Michael the Archangel in Stolec and Sieroszów.

The triptych, polychromy and Willmann

The most valuable interior features are the late-Gothic Holy Family triptych and surviving fragments of 15th-century wall painting. The high altar holds an Assumption of the Virgin attributed to Michael Willmann, while other paintings are linked with his workshop and Jan Krzysztof Liszka. One of the tower sections preserves an Eppner & Co clock mechanism from 1874.

Access and surroundings

The church stands at Stolec 100, 57-200 Ząbkowice Śląskie. There is no confirmed regular tourist timetable; contact the parish before planning an interior visit and avoid services. Outside, combine it with the palace ruins, the Neo-Gothic Church of St John of Nepomuk and the Skałki Stoleckie nature reserve. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the church and grounds.