Churches & monasteries

Church of the Transfiguration in Libiąż

The Church of the Transfiguration in Libiąż is a powerful red-brick Neo-Gothic church completed in 1911. Its interior deliberately echoes St Mary’s Basilica in Kraków, giving the building a distinctive place among the monuments of western Lesser Poland.

Construction and the question of design

The present church was built in 1903–1911 on a cross-shaped plan, as a three-aisled building enclosed by a stone wall. Popular descriptions attribute the design to Teodor Talowski, but a local historical study based on the parish chronicle points to the Kraków studio of Meus and Górski. This is an important correction: Talowski’s authorship should not be stated as certain.

Kraków-inspired interior

Look for the polychromy with plant motifs and a starry sky, the high altar by Franciszek Styczeń echoing Wit Stwosz’s masterpiece, and stained glass made by the workshops of Mayer in Munich and Skarda in Moravian Beroun. The decoration reflects the parish priest’s fascination with Kraków’s famous church.

Practical information

The church stands at 83 Oświęcimska Street. It is an active place of worship, and interior visits should be arranged by phone with the parish; avoid services when planning a stop. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the building and interior. Libiąż lies between Oświęcim and Chrzanów, making the church easy to add to a western Lesser Poland itinerary.