Church of Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus in Kołaczkowo

On Wrzesińska Street in Kołaczkowo stands the white Neoclassical Church of the Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus, probably built to a design by Piotr Aigner. Construction began in 1830, stalled for well over a decade and was only completed in 1852. The church borders the park of the palace that belonged to Władysław Reymont, so both are easy to see on one walk.

History: three churches on one site

The first church probably stood here as early as the 13th century and burned down at the end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century. In 1713 the owner of Kołaczkowo, Władysław Zajączek, built a new church on the site, again of wood. When it became too small, the landowner Józef Stablewski decided in 1830 to build a masonry church. Work stopped in 1836 and was finished in 1852 by Count Gustaw Dąmbski, the next owner of the estate. Sources therefore give different dates: 1830–1836 or 1830–1852. Aigner's design is dated to 1825.

What to see

• The Neoclassical building, with its north and south elevations topped by triangular pediments; the façade has pilasters, relief panels and statues of saints in niches.
• The wooden bell tower beside the church, dated to the mid-19th century.
• Furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries, mainly Rococo and Neoclassical. Two side altars – of the Virgin Mary and of St Anne – come from the earlier wooden church.

Tripto tips

This is a working parish church; Sunday Masses are at 8:00, 10:00 and 11:30, and the parish feast is on 28 October. The interior is best seen just before or after a service, without disturbing worshippers; on weekdays ask the parish about access (tel. +48 61 438 53 29). You can see the church and bell tower from the street at any time. Allow 20–30 minutes, then walk over to the park with the Reymont monument and the memorial room in the palace.