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Former Dominican Church of St James in Racibórz

The former Dominican Church of St James in Racibórz is the only surviving remnant of the town’s former Dominican monastery and one of its oldest monuments. It stands at the north-eastern corner of the Market Square, making it easy to include in a walk through the historic centre.

From a 13th-century convent

The Dominican convent in Racibórz was founded on the initiative of the Piast dukes around the mid-13th century; the first mention of the church dates from 1258. The oldest surviving parts of the nave are dated to around the mid-13th century, while the chancel is linked with rebuilding after the town fire of about 1300. The monastery was suppressed in 1810 and its buildings demolished, leaving the church itself.

Fires and furnishings

After the fire of 1637, rebuilding was completed in 1655 and brought Baroque elements into the interior. Look for the Gaschin Chapel altar with its black-marble structure and alabaster Crucifixion group, the Tree of Jesse altar, Rococo side altars and the late-Baroque furnishings of the chancel. After wartime destruction in 1945, the interior was restored in 1958 with new wall paintings and stained glass.

Practical information

The church stands in Racibórz Market Square and is a filial church of the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Check current service times and interior access before visiting. Combine it with the main parish church, the castle and a walk following the town’s Dominican history; allow 30–45 minutes for the church and its immediate surroundings.