Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland in Świebodzin

The slender brick tower by Chopin Park is the tallest landmark of Świebodzin's old town, even though the church is several centuries younger than the parish church. It was built at the turn of the 20th century as a Lutheran church, and Emperor Wilhelm II himself contributed to its construction.

History: the third church on this site

Protestants had worshipped here since 1694. The next building, a half-timbered church from 1746–1750, was in very poor condition by the late 19th century, so the congregation began raising money for a new one and asked Berlin for help. The emperor donated 60,000 marks and took the project under his patronage, and the design went to court building councillor Gotthilf Ludwig Möckel of Doberan.

Work went quickly: the old building was demolished in September 1898, the foundation stone was laid on 4 May 1899, the top of the tower was gilded in August 1900, and the church was consecrated on 11 December 1900 in the presence of guests from across the German Empire.

After 1945

At the end of January 1945 the Red Army took the town; soldiers damaged some of the furnishings and took the most valuable items. After the war the church served the Catholic parish of St Michael as a so-called school church, and in 1981 it became the seat of the new parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland.

What to see

• A Gothic Revival red-brick building with a tall tower topped by a green spire and corner turrets.
• The interior with wooden galleries, brick vault ribs and stained glass.
• A statue of Christ in a niche above the entrance, framed by two rose windows.

Tripto tip

The best photo is from ul. Wałowa: the medieval wall and tower fill the foreground with the Gothic Revival spire behind. Fifteen minutes is enough for a visit, and the interior is easiest to see before services. The town hall on the market square is about five minutes' walk away.