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Rev. Pieczka Square in Racibórz

Right next to the Racibórz collegiate church, at ul. Nowa, in a section of Plac Długosza, lies a square named after Rev. Prelate Stefan Pieczka — the long-standing parish priest of the temple and one of the most important figures of post-war Racibórz. This small square combines the memory of the clergyman with the everyday life of the city, a few steps from the market square.

Who the patron was

Stefan Pieczka, born in 1932, led the parish by the collegiate church for years. During the communist era he supported „Solidarity" and persecuted people, while retaining the ability to talk with the authorities. In the 2000 plebiscite of „Nowiny Raciborskie" he won the category „Clergyman of the Millennium" by an overwhelming margin.

After the revitalisation

Today the square is a small plaza with a new fountain that replaced the old, unimpressive installation. Among new benches, lamps and trees the ground has been laid with slabs and sett paving, and a small stage hosts mini concerts; open-air exhibitions take place periodically. In 2016 the square took part in the 10th edition of the competition of the Polish Urbanists Association, and earlier hosted a cycling picnic.

Practical information

The square lies in the very centre of Racibórz, a few dozen metres from the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and near the market square. In summer most people rest and cool off by the fountain; the place brings residents and tourists together. A visit combines well with a stroll around the old town and along the defensive walls.