Church of Peace in Jawor

The Church of Peace in Jawor is one of the two surviving Churches of Peace in Silesia and part of the UNESCO entry covering Jawor and Świdnica. The timber church was built in 1654–1655 to a design by Albrecht von Säbisch. Its restrained exterior conceals an exceptionally rich Baroque interior.

A church of timber, straw and clay

The church was built after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, under restrictions on the location and materials of Protestant churches in Silesia. Its half-timbered construction uses wood, straw and clay, yet creates a monumental interior. Four-storey galleries display Biblical scenes, landscapes with palaces and coats of arms.

What to see inside

Compare the modest exterior with the polychrome-painted structure inside. Look for the pulpit, altar, baptismal font and organ with 27 stops. The tower was added only 53 years after the church was completed. In 2001 the church joined the UNESCO World Heritage List, and since 2017 it has held the status of a Monument of History.

Visiting hours

From 1 April to 31 October, individual visits are possible daily: Monday to Saturday 10:00–17:00, and Sundays and public holidays 12:00–17:00. From November to March, groups of at least six may visit after arranging it by phone or email at least one day in advance. A normal visit takes about 20–40 minutes. The church stands at 1 Aleja Pięćset Lat Reformacji; car parking is about 50 m away on 1 Maja Street.