Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Ziębice

On the western edge of the old town, on ul. Wałowa, stands a church that from above looks like a cross with equal arms. It belonged to the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, who ran a hospital in Ziębice from the second half of the 13th century. Today's Baroque building dates from 1726–1730.

History

The original church was built around 1270 as the knights' hospital chapel. The present church was rebuilt from scratch in Baroque style on a Greek-cross plan, with a rectangular tower on the south side. After the order was dissolved in 1810, the church became a military warehouse. In 1864 it was taken over by the Elizabethan Sisters, and since 1972 it has been a parish church run by the Society of Christ. The former friary buildings now serve as a hospital.

What to see

• The Greek-cross building with a tower crowned by a copper onion dome and lantern.
• The single-space interior under a flattened elliptical dome.
• The furnishings – mostly from the time the church was built, the 1720s and 1730s.

Did you know?

In 1730 the painter Johann Jacob Eybelwieser made "The Finding of the True Cross by Empress Helena" for this church, commissioned by the order's Wrocław master Jacob Mathes. The painting later went to St Hedwig's Church in nearby Krzelków, where it still hangs.

Tripto tip

The church is a few minutes' walk from the market square. You can see the interior before or after Mass. Fifteen minutes is enough, and the Paczków Gate and St George's Basilica are a few minutes' walk away.