St Andrew the Apostle Church in Gilowice

The wooden Church of St Andrew the Apostle in Gilowice is one of the most valuable monuments of the Żywiec Beskids and lies on the Wooden Architecture Trail. Its greatest curiosity is its change of address: the church was moved from Rychwałd to Gilowice in 1757.

Moved from Rychwałd

The building dates from the first half of the 16th century and represents Silesian–Lesser Polish Gothic. After a brick church was built in Rychwałd, the wooden one was dismantled, transported and reassembled in Gilowice. In the 20th century the church was extended, while its surroundings retained traditional soboty galleries and a wooden fence.

The Madonna, altar and old bells

Inside, look for the late-Baroque high altar from 1708, a pulpit from the first half of the 17th century and the Gothic statue of the Madonna and Child from the 14th century. The bell tower preserves two valuable bells: Andrew from 1535 and John from 1584. Also walk around the old cemetery and see the stone font in front of the soboty galleries.

Practical information

The church stands at 40 Krakowska Street, in the centre of Gilowice. It is an active place of worship, so confirm current interior access and quiet visiting arrangements with the parish; avoid services. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the church and its surroundings. Nearby Rychwałd and walking routes in the Little Beskids make good additions to the visit.