Churches & monasteries

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Malnia

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Malnia forms an unusual two-level complex: a wooden church moved from Kostów near Kluczbork stands above a masonry church built of limestone. The site rises on a small hill in Gogolin commune and is one of the most distinctive sacred landmarks of the Opole region.

The wooden church from Kostów

The upper church was built in Kostów in 1801–1804 as the Evangelical Church of St Francis. After it was abandoned by the local congregation in 1965, it was dismantled and reconstructed in Malnia in 1977–1978. Preserving the timber structure in a new setting is the most remarkable feature of the complex.

Two levels and Blessed Józef Cebula

The lower Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was built in 1976–1978. The grounds also contain a grotto of Our Lady of Fatima, a masonry bell tower and chapels of All Saints and Blessed Józef Cebula. The Oblate, born in Malnia, died in Mauthausen; John Paul II beatified him in Warsaw in 1999 among the 108 martyrs of the Second World War.

Practical information

The church stands at 11 Polna Street in Górażdże, within Gogolin commune. It is an active religious site, so confirm interior access with the parish and avoid services. Allow 30–45 minutes for both levels, the grounds and chapels. Nearby routes can include Rogów Opolski palace, St Anne’s Mountain or Moszna castle.