Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Poręba

The red-brick tower with its sharp spire is the highest point in Poręba. Construction of this Gothic Revival church began at Pentecost 1901 – hence its dedication to the Descent of the Holy Spirit, recalled by the dove above the main entrance. The first Mass was said here as early as December that year.

History: a church for a workers' settlement

Poręba grew up around its ironworks and foundry but had no parish of its own until 1908. The church was initiated by Fr Franciszek Pędzich, curate of neighbouring Ciągowice, together with local believers. Work began on Whit Sunday 1901 and the first Mass took place on 4 December 1901. The church was blessed on 13 March 1908, the day the independent parish was established, and solemnly consecrated by Bishop Zdzisław Goliński on 9 June 1957. The interior was redecorated after 1966.

The church belongs to the parish of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so guidebooks and maps sometimes call it St Joseph's Church.

What to see

• The façade – brick, with a gable decorated with pinnacles and a rose window above the portal. Above the main doors is a mosaic of a white dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit.
• The tower – slender with a sharp spire, rising well above the surrounding houses.
• The building – a Latin-cross plan with tall pointed windows, buttresses and brick cornices.
• The date 1901 – set into the paving in front of the main entrance.

Tripto tip

The church is on ul. Dworcowa, a few minutes' walk from the 1798 hoist tower. Allow 15–20 minutes to see it from outside; the interior is open during services. The best shot of the façade and tower is straight down the path to the entrance.