Saint Michael Archangel church, Prudnik

St Michael the Archangel’s Church in Prudnik is a late-Baroque church in the southern part of the Old Town. The present building dates from the 18th century, while the parish’s history reaches back to the medieval beginnings of Prudnik. Its three-aisled interior, gallery connected with the choir, organ and tower are complemented by rich furnishings and a striking high altar.

From medieval parish to a new church

The first wooden church is traditionally associated with 1279, although the oldest surviving written references to the parish date from the 14th century. The present church was built between 1730 and 1738 to a design by Johann Töpper. A fire in 1735 destroyed the almost completed building and frescoes by Felix Anton Scheffler. Rebuilding was completed before the church was consecrated in 1752.

Interior and works of art

The church has three aisles and a powerful tower; an interior gallery connects with the choir and organ. The main feature is the Baroque high altar with two cherubs and a sculpture of Christ at the top. Also look for the painting of St Michael the Archangel, the pulpit, baptismal font, side altars and the decoration of the Divine Mercy chapel.

Visiting central Prudnik

The church is an active place of worship on Farny Square, so sightseeing should fit around services and parish events. Check the parish website before travelling. Keep quiet inside and do not photograph during services without permission. Combine the visit with a walk through Prudnik’s Old Town and the surviving fragments of its former fortifications.