St Catherine of Alexandria Church in Toszek

The Church of St Catherine of Alexandria in Toszek stands between the market square and the castle and is one of the town’s most important monuments. Its history reaches back to the Middle Ages, while the present appearance reflects a Gothic rebuilding after the Hussite raids and a later Baroque transformation.

From medieval rebuilding to the Baroque

A church connected with the old parish and the Premonstratensians existed in Toszek by the 12th or early 13th century. A wooden predecessor was destroyed, and after the Hussite raids in the mid-15th century Duke Przemko rebuilt the church in masonry. Duke Przemko was buried in the crypt before the chancel. Between 1713 and 1718 Toszek’s owner, Johann Dietrich von Peterswaldski, thoroughly remodelled the church, giving it a Baroque character and a massive tower.

The Toszek Madonna and the organ

The church is a three-aisle basilica with narrow side aisles, a three-sided chancel and a patrons’ gallery above the sacristy. In the richly decorated Baroque interior, look for the altars and pulpit by Matthias Weissmann of Frydek. The left aisle holds the venerated image of Our Lady of Toszek, a copy of a work attributed to Lucas Cranach the Elder. The organ, built in 1844, is by Wrocław organ builder Moritz Robert Müller.

Practical information

The church is at 1 Zamkowa Street, a few steps from the castle and market square. It is an active church, so check current services and interior access before entering. The church, castle and historic town centre form a natural Toszek walking route that takes about 1–1.5 hours.