Church of St Andrew in Środa Śląska

The Church of St Andrew the Apostle in Środa Śląska is one of the town’s oldest monuments. Its walls combine remains of a late-Romanesque basilica, a Gothic presbytery and later Baroque furnishings, allowing several centuries to be read in one building.

Romanesque origins and a Gothic presbytery

The church was mentioned in 1233, while its oldest part dates from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. A new presbytery was built in 1378–1388, with its vault associated with master Klaus Parler. Later rebuilding and restoration uncovered fragments of the earlier brick basilica and traces of the town’s long history.

Altars, epitaphs and the tower

Inside are wooden Baroque altars from the early 18th century, a pulpit from 1677 and late-Gothic sacristy cupboards, including one dated 1513. Tomb slabs of Silesian families are set into the outer walls. Beside the church stands a 15th-century Gothic tower, now used as a viewpoint.

Practical information

The church is at 2 Kolejowa Street, in the centre of Środa Śląska. The tower opens at selected times from Wednesday to Sunday according to the current Cultural Centre schedule, and other times can be arranged by phone. The church is an active parish, so check interior access before travelling. Allow 60–90 minutes for the church, tower and market square.