Churches & monasteries

Franciscan Church in Przemyśl

The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Przemyśl, also known as the Franciscan Church, is a late-Baroque building with a Rococo interior. It stands on Franciszkańska Street in the historic centre. A visit reveals both its rich decoration and a site connected with the Franciscans’ long presence in Przemyśl.

The church’s history

The first record of a wooden Franciscan convent in Przemyśl dates from 1413. The present church was built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier Gothic church. Construction began in 1754 to a design by Walenty Haltman, and the completed church was consecrated in 1778. A new monastery was started in 1781, using parts of the older walls.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has a three-aisled body and a late-Baroque façade framed by two towers. Its Rococo interior is rich in sculpture, polychrome decoration and works associated with the Lviv artistic tradition of the 18th century. Frescoes on the walls closing the side aisles depict events from Przemyśl’s history. Relics of Saint Vincent, the city’s patron, have been kept here since the 16th century.

Visiting in Przemyśl

The church is at 2a Franciszkańska Street. It is an active place of worship, so check the current service schedule and respect any liturgy in progress. Afterwards, continue through Przemyśl’s Old Town and combine the church with other historic landmarks.

Tripto tip: look at the façade from the street, then search the interior for the frescoes and traces of 18th-century art. It is a strong stop for anyone exploring Przemyśl’s Baroque heritage.