Church of the Holy Cross in Żywiec

A few minutes from the market square and the Old Castle of Żywiec, on Batorego Street, stands the Church of the Holy Cross — the oldest surviving church in town. Its Gothic walls were raised at the end of the 14th century, and over the following centuries the building grew together with the town.

From Gothic to Baroque

The original nave gave way to today's far more spacious one, and in 1690 the presbytery was enlarged. In the 18th century the church was remodelled in the Baroque spirit, and in 1910 its distinctive tower was added. The church stands in the part of town called Rudza and serves as a branch church of the Parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Strawberry Madonna

A treasured Gothic painting of the enthroned Madonna, known as the Strawberry Madonna, is connected with the parish. It can now be seen in the Municipal Museum of Żywiec in the Old Castle on Zamkowa Street, a few minutes on foot from the church. In front of the church stands a historic penitential cross — unassuming, yet a memento of past events.

Practical information

The church stands on Stefana Batorego Street between the market square and the castle, so it is easy to include in a walk through the centre of Żywiec. A visit takes a quarter of an hour; afterwards you can head for the castle park or the market square with its cafés and restaurants.