Churches & monasteries

St Barbara Church in Koziegłowy

St Barbara’s Church in Koziegłowy is a small Baroque church with an unusual history: it was founded in 1670 as a hospital chapel and still preserves its connection with the former poorhouse. Its founders were Stanisław Kawiecki, starost of Koziegłowy and Siewierz, and his wife Barbara née Przerębski.

A chapel beside the former hospital

The church is a brick building with a shingle roof, a barrel vault and a small Baroque roof tower. The former hospital building on the south side was later incorporated into the church and turned into a nave. As a result, the present interior is unusually long: the older church now serves as the presbytery.

The gilded altar and choir

The most valuable feature inside is the richly gilded Renaissance altar with four columns and a painting of St Barbara. Also look for the choir gallery supported by two fluted columns. Part of the former churchyard survives beside the building, while remnants of the old hospital complex can still be seen nearby.

Practical information

The church stands in north-western Koziegłowy, between Częstochowska and 3 Maja streets. The building was renovated in 1994 and the entire site was fenced. It is a filial church of the Parish of St Mary Magdalene; services are held here especially on 4 December, St Barbara’s Day. Before travelling, confirm whether the interior is open with the town or parish.