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Old City of Zamosc

Zamosc Old City

Old City of Zamosc – updated 10 January 2023.

The Old City is the oldest historic district of the city of Zamość and is unique in Poland as an almost perfectly preserved example of 16th-century Renaissance town planning. It was made a Unesco World Heritage site in 1992. The district was named one of Poland’s official national Historic Monuments, as designated 16^th September 1994 and its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland.

Ideal City

The Old City of Zamosc was founded in the 16^th century by a wealthy Polish nobleman, Jan Zamoyski (1542−1605), and was modelled on Italian theories of the ‘ideal city’. Jan hired a Paduan architect by the name of Bernando Morando to realise his dream.

The layout of the town was supposedly designed to resemble the human body with the palace as its head, Grodzka Street as the spine and side streets, such as Solna or Moranda acting as the arms.

International Trading centre

The city was located on the trade route linking western and northern Europe with the Black Sea and was an important multinational trading centre known for its high level of religious tolerance.

It has retained its original rectilinear street layout and fortifications and a large number of buildings that combine Italian and central European architectural traditions.

Pearl of the Renaissance

The city of Zamość is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Renaissance’ and the ‘Padua of the North’ and has two distinct sections. To the east is the town, which is laid out around three market squares (the Grand Market Square, the Salt Market Square and the Water Market Square) and to the west is the Zamoyski palace.

The central Grand Market Square is located at the junction of the town’s two main axial streets. Here you will find the magnificent Town Hall, arcaded galleries, restaurants, and old merchants’ houses.

Notable buildings in the Old City of Zamosc include Zamość City Hall, Zamość Cathedral, Zamość Synagogue, Zamojski Academy, and the Zamojski Palace.

The Old Town is surrounded by the remains of the Zamość Fortress.

FAQ

Q: What is the Old City of Zamosc?

A: The Old City is a historic district located in the town of Zamosc, in southeast Poland. It is a well-preserved example of Renaissance urban planning, with a complex system of fortifications and a unique collection of public and private buildings. The Old City was built in the 16th century by Jan Zamoyski, a wealthy nobleman and the founder of the city. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q: What are some of the notable features of the Old City?

A: The Old City is known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, including the magnificent town hall, several churches, and a large number of burgher houses. The city’s fortifications, which include walls, towers, and bastions, are also a notable feature, as they are one of the best-preserved examples of Renaissance military architecture in Europe. Other points of interest include the market square, the city gates, and the many beautiful gardens and parks that are found throughout the city.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Old City of Zamosc?

A: The best time to visit is during the summer months of June through September, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and the city’s many parks and gardens are in full bloom. However, if you are looking to experience the city’s many cultural and historical events, it is recommended to visit during the spring and fall.

Q: What kind of accommodation can be found in Zamosc?

A: There are several accommodation options available in Zamosc, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Many of these options are located within the Old City and are housed in restored historical buildings. Some options can be found also just outside the walls but still in the city.

Q: Are there any tours available of the Old City?

A: Yes, there are many tour operators that offer guided tours of the Old City of Zamosc. These tours typically include visits to the city’s main historical and cultural sites, as well as information about the history and architecture of the city. Some of the tour also include the region of Zamość. The tours can be done on foot or by car depending on the company and package you choose

Q: Are there any nearby attractions?

A: Yes, there are many nearby attractions to the Old City, including:

The Solska Forest, a beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails and an observation tower
The Zamoyski Museum, which is located in the city’s palace and showcases the history and culture of the region
The St. John the Baptist Church, a beautiful baroque church located on the edge of the Old City.
Lubań, a small charming town close by, known for the traditional wooden houses and the nature around.
The Bieszczady Mountains and the Biebrza National Park are also located not far from the city, and offer great opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Padua of the North Pearl of the Renaissance UNESCO World Heritage site Zamojski Academy Zamojski Palace Zamość Cathedral Zamość City Hall Zamość Synagogue

polandtravel

March 26, 2021

Muskauer Park

Muskauer

Muskauer Park – updated 10 January 2023.

Muskauer Park (also known as “Muzakowski Park Narodowy” in Polish) is a large park that straddles the border between Germany and Poland. It is located in the Lower Lusatia region of Germany, and the Lubuskie province of Poland. The park was designed in the mid-19th century by the German landscape architect, Peter Joseph Lenné, and was later expanded and refined by his student, Hermann von Pückler-Muskau.

The park is the largest and one of the most famous English gardens in Central Europe, stretching along both sides of the German and Polish border. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on 2^nd July 2004. The park also stands as one of Poland’s official Historic Monuments, as designated 1^st May 2004, and tracked by the National Heritage Board of Poland.

Schloss Muskau

The park is known for its picturesque landscapes, which include rolling hills, lakes, and rivers. It also features a wide variety of plant life, including both native and exotic species. There are several historic buildings located within the park, including the Muskau Castle, which is a restored 18th-century palace that now serves as a hotel and restaurant.

The largest proportion of the park is located in Poland (3.5 sq km) with the remaining 2.1 sq km within Germany.

Park on Terraces

The castle (Schloss) is situated on the German side of the park, the heart of the park called the. ‘Park on Terraces’ is located within Poland. In 2003 a pedestrian bridge spanning the Neisse was rebuilt to connect both parts.

Muskauer was designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding farmed landscape, and it pioneered new approaches to landscape design and contributed to the advancement of landscape architecture as a discipline.

Unlike many landscaped parks in Europe, the objective of the park design was to use local plants to enhance the qualities of the existing landscape and to integrate the local town as part of the development using green passages that formed urban parks. It is an example of a cultural landscape in which the site’s natural attributes have been harnessed with the utmost skill and includes a reconstructed castle, bridges, an arboretum, the river Neisse, water features, buildings, forested areas and paths.

Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau

Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau was the definition of a cad who famously married an older and very rich woman to raise funds for the development of the park, only to formally divorce her a few years later to look for another fortune to finance the garden’s maintenance. In the mid-1840s, the prince sold the park to Prince Frederik of the Netherlands to avoid bankruptcy.

The park receives thousands of visitors every year, and is popular among tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature, as well as learn about the history and culture of the region.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Muskauer Park:

Q: What is the history of the park?

A: The park was created in the 19th century by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, a German nobleman and landscape architect, who transformed a hunting ground into a romantic landscape park with a variety of architectural and landscape features. The park was designed to be an idealized representation of nature, with winding paths, scenic lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. The Park is considered one of the most important English-style parks in Europe. After WWII the park was divided between Poland and Germany, but recently both countries agreed on cross-border cooperation and the park is being restored to it’s former glory.

Q: What kind of features can be seen in Muskauer Park?

A: The park features a variety of architectural and landscape features, including winding paths, scenic lakes, picturesque bridges, and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can also see historic buildings such as the Chinese teahouse, a Gothic Revival castle, a large hunting lodge and the main palace of Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau which was re-built as an art center. The park is also home to a variety of different plant species, including deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as a rich variety of birds and other wildlife.

Q: Is the park a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A: Yes, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, added to the list in 2004, as part of the “Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski”

Q: What can be seen there?

A: Visitors to the park can see the picturesque landscapes, historic buildings, and natural beauty of the park, as well as learn about its history and cultural heritage. There are many trails for walking, cycling and horse-riding, the park is also a popular spot for bird-watching, fishing and other nature activities. Visitors can also take guided tours or attend some of the cultural events that are regularly held in the park.

Q: How to get there?

A: Muskauer is located in the border of Poland and Germany, in the region of Lower Silesia. The nearest major city is Görlitz in Germany, but it can also be reached by car or public transport from other cities like Wrocław, Legnica or Zgorzelec.

Q: What is the best time to visit Muskauer?

A: The best time to visit the park would depend on your personal preferences. The park is open year-round and it can be enjoyed in any season, but the most pleasant time to visit would be in the warmer months when the weather is more favorable, and the nature is in full bloom. The park is also great to visit in autumn when the leaves change color. The park also hosts some seasonal events, such as concerts and guided tours, which could add to the experience of visiting at a specific time.

Visit the official Muskauer Park website.

English garden Muskauer Park Park on Terraces UNESCO World Heritage site

polandtravel

March 26, 2021

Medieval Town of Torun

Torun Medieval Town

Medieval Town of Torun – updated 10 January 2023.

The Medieval Town owes its origins to the Teutonic Order, which built a castle in the town in the mid-13^th century as a base for the conquest and evangelisation of Prussia. This acted as a catalyst for the growth, importance and popularity of the town and it soon developed a commercial role as part of the Hanseatic League.

Nicolaus Copernicus

In the old and new town, the many imposing public and private buildings from the 14^th and 15^th centuries (among them the house of Nicolaus Copernicus) are striking evidence of Torun’s stature.

Toruń is a remarkably well-preserved example of a medieval European trading and administrative centre. The city was founded in the period when Christianity was being spread through Eastern Europe by the military monks of the Teutonic Order, and when rapid growth in trade between the countries of the Baltic Sea and Eastern Europe was being spurred by the Hanseatic League.

The Medieval Town of Torun is comprised of three elements: the ruins of the Teutonic Castle, the Old Town, and the New Town, all surrounded by a circuit of defensive walls.

The castle

The majority of the castle was destroyed during an uprising in 1454, when the local townspeople revolted against the Teutonic Order. The ruins and the archaeological remains have been excavated and safeguarded.

An exceptionally complete picture of the medieval way of life is illustrated in the original street patterns and early buildings of Toruń. Both the Old Town and the New Town have Gothic parish churches and numerous fine medieval brick townhouses, many of which have retained their original Gothic façades, partition walls, stucco-decorated ceilings, vaulted cellars, and painted decoration.

Townhouses

Many townhouses in Toruń were used for both residential and commercial purposes. A fine example is the house in which Nicolaus Copernicus was reputedly born in 1473; it has been preserved as a museum devoted to the famous astronomer’s life and achievements.

The townhouses often included storage facilities and remarkable brick granaries, some of which were up to five storeys high. Because so many houses have survived from this period, the medieval plots are for the most part still preserved, delineated by their original brick boundary walls.

Today, the Medieval Town of Torun shares the title of capital city of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship with the city of Bydgoszcz. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for being an unusually well-preserved example of a medieval European trading and administrative centre.

The Medieval Town of Torun has benefited from numerous renovation projects in recent years, in particular the Old Town area. Buildings, pavements, streets and squares have been painstakingly reconstructed reversing them to their historic appearance.

FAQ

The Medieval Town of Torun is a historical city located in northern Poland, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Medieval Town of Torun:

Q: What is the history of the Medieval Town?

A: The Medieval Town was founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, a German medieval Christian military order. It quickly grew in importance as a trade and cultural center, and it was known for its production of textiles, ceramics, and gingerbread. Torun was also an important center of learning, and the famous astronomer Copernicus was born and studied in the city. Torun suffered considerable damage during WWII, but it has been carefully restored to its medieval appearance and is now a popular tourist destination.

Q: What kind of architecture can be seen in the Medieval Town?

A: It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly Gothic-style buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. The city is home to a number of churches, including the Church of the Holy Spirit, which has a beautifully decorated interior and an ornate bell tower. Visitors can also see the town hall, which dates back to the 14th century, as well as the city walls and defensive towers, which have been preserved and restored.

Q: Is the Medieval Town of Torun a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A: Yes, the Medieval Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, added to the list in 1997.

Q: What can be seen there?

A: Visitors to the Medieval Town can see the well-preserved medieval architecture, and take a stroll through the charming and picturesque streets of the Old Town, which is home to many historical buildings and landmarks. Visitors can also visit the Copernicus Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous astronomer, and the Gingerbread Museum which showcases the traditional craft of gingerbread-making. There are also many shops, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can try the famous Torun gingerbread and other local specialties.

Q: How to get there?

A: The Medieval Town is located in northern Poland. It can be reached by car, train or by bus. The nearest airport is in Bydgoszcz, which is around 30 km away. There are also regular train and bus connections to Torun from other major cities in Poland.

Q: What is the best time to visit?

A: The best time to visit Medieval Town would depend on your personal preferences. The town is open year-round, but it may be more pleasant to visit during the warmer months when the weather is more favorable. The Medieval Town of Torun also has a number of festivals, events and cultural happenings throughout the year such as the Copernicus Festival, the Gingerbread Festival, and Torun Night of Museums that could be interesting to attend and plan the visit accordingly.

Recommended tour

What to expect from this tour

Highlights

Admire the beauty of Torun and its highlights with your local expert guide
Explore town among Medieval sights of the city and listen incredible stories
Look around at remains of Teutonic Castle and Defensive City Walls
Hear about famous Nicolaus Copernicus, & the Teutonic Knights
Enjoy a private tour with only your family and friends

Description

Small, adorable, charming with a big history. All these words perfectly described Torun city. Admire an authentic Old Town city which wasn’t destroyed during the wars. It has one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Europe. As a historic site Torun ranks as high as Cracow or Gdansk. It was even included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

Start your 2-hours tour from Theatre of Wilam Horzycy and admire this white and nice building. Next you will see the Planetarium – the unique attraction showing lesson about universe. During this trip you will discover many interesting monuments as John Paul II, Nicolaus Copernicus, the Donkey and more. Look inside fair Church of Holy Spirit. Hear the legend and try to stand upright under the Leaning Tower. Feel the vibe of Market Square and Arthur’s Court. Stop at scenic spot and look at beautiful Vistula River. Then continue to the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.

To explore the city even better choose 3-hours option and follow guide to discover ruins of Church and Dominican monastery. Walk toward remains of Teutonic Knights – Medieval Defensive City Walls which symbolizes old-time power of knights. Now you can step like one of them. See also a unique and nice construction of Baj Theatre.

In 4-hours option you will also enter fantastic Museum House of Nicolas Copernicus. The exhibitions show his life, his history and achievements. Get familiar with history of the most known astronomer and scientist who change the way of thinking about world. Step into his cosmos world in his authentic house.

Included

Private walking tour in Torun led by licensed guide
Tickets entrance to Museum House of Nicolaus Copernicus (in 4-hours option)
Visit at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Evangelist (no admission)
Pick up from the hotel (only hotels in Torun Old Town)
Tour program adapted to the preferences of the group
Tips about local restaurants, patisserie, pubs

Other tours & attractions

Gothic Medieval Teutonic Order Toruń Toruń Castle UNESCO World Heritage site

polandtravel

March 26, 2021

Historic Centre of Warsaw

Warsaw Historic Centre

Historic Centre of Warsaw – updated 10 January 2023.

The Historic Centre of Warsaw is the oldest part of the city. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Place, which is very popular with tourists and contains many restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Surrounding streets feature medieval architecture such as the city walls, St. John’s Cathedral and the Barbican which links the Old Town with Warsaw New Town.

World War II

In excess of 85% of the historic centre of Warsaw was deliberately destroyed during World War II by Nazi Germany. A meticulous restoration of the Old Town took place after the war and this included its important religious buildings, the Royal Castle, Old Town Market, townhouses, and the circuit of the city walls. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.

Where possible, original bricks and decorative elements found in the rubble were reused during the reconstruction, which was not entirely accurate to pre-war Warsaw but more of a mix between pre-war Warsaw and an earlier period. The objective was to reconstruct but at the same time, try to improve on the original.

Old Town Market Place

The 13^th century Old Town Market Place was the true heart of the Old Town and until the end of the 18th century it was the heart of all of Warsaw. Prior to the great fire of 1607, the buildings around the square were Gothic in style, after the fire, they were rebuilt in late-Renaissance style.

Castle Square

When approaching the Old Town from the centre of Warsaw, your first view of the reconstructed Old Town is Castle Square, dominated by Zygmunt’s Column, which towers above the beautiful Old Town houses.

Royal Castle

Royal Castle Warsaw is an exceptional copy of the original red-brick castle, which was destroyed by the Germans in WWII. The very first version of the castle was actually a wooden stronghold dating back to the 14th century built for the dukes of Mazovia and since then it has been the residence of Polish kings in addition to being the home of the president and also the seat of parliament.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers that you might find helpful:

Q: Where is the Historic Centre of Warsaw located?
A: The Historic Centre is located in the heart of the city of Warsaw, Poland. It is situated between the Vistula River and the Old Town.

Q: When was the Historic Centre of Warsaw designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: The Historic Centre of Warsaw was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Q: What is the history of the Historic Centre of Warsaw?
A: The Historic Centre has a long and complex history. The Old Town, which is a part of the Historic Centre, is one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Europe. The Old Town was almost entirely destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s to resemble its pre-war appearance. The Royal Castle, which sits on the Castle Square, is one of the most important buildings in the Historic Centre of Warsaw, and it served as the residence of Polish kings. The Old Town Market Place, surrounded by burgher houses, merchants’ tenements and the city walls is a heart of the Old Town.

Q: What can I see on a visit to the Historic Centre of Warsaw?
A: Visitors can explore the charming streets and squares of the Old Town, admire the many beautiful buildings and churches, and visit museums and galleries. Some of the must-see sites include the Royal Castle, the Old Town Market Place, St. John’s Cathedral, the Barbican, the Royal Route and the Warsaw Rising Museum. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Royal Route, which is a historical and architectural route that connects the Royal Castle with the Wilanowski Palace.

Q: Is the Historic Centre of Warsaw open to visitors?
A: The Historic Centre is open to visitors year-round, but please check the official website for current opening hours and any potential restrictions.

Q: How long does a visit to the Historic Centre of Warsaw last?
A: A visit can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how much you want to see and do.

Q: Are there any special requirements to visit the Historic Centre of Warsaw?
A: There are no special requirements to visit the Historic Centre, but visitors should be aware that many of the buildings and museums have limited accessibility for people with disabilities.

Q: Are there any other things to do in the area?
A: Warsaw is a vibrant and culturally rich city with many things to see and do beyond the Historic Centre. Some popular attractions include the Lazienki Park, the Chopin Museum, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the National Museum, and the Wilanowski Palace. The city also has a vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, with many great restaurants and bars to choose from.

Warsaw Tours & Experiences

Barbican Historic centre Old Town Market Place Royal Castle Warsaw St. John’s Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage site Warsaw Warsaw Old Town Zygmunt’s Column

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March 25, 2021

Historic Centre of Krakow

Krakow Historic Centre

Historic Centre of Krakow – updated 10 January 2023.

The historic centre of Krakow has been featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1978. Packed full of restaurants, museums, galleries and bars, the medieval layout of the Old Town has not changed for centuries.

Main market square

The heart and focal point of the historic centre of Krakow is its graceful main market square, the largest medieval town square of any European city.

Most visitors to Krakow visit the market square with its Cloth Hall, the Church of the Holy Mary, Wawel Hill and its Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral with its outstanding Renaissance chapel, the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate.

Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle and the limestone Wawel Hill are extremely important historical and cultural sites containing one of the most important collection of buildings in Poland. Wawel was once the seat of Polish rulers, the residence of kings and the focal point of many Polish historical events. The hill is a symbol of the Polish nation and has witnessed some of the greatest moments in Polish history. Many Polish kings have been laid to rest below Wawel Cathedral.

Jewish quarter

The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz features a wealth of Jewish heritage with its 16th century cemetery and seven synagogues of which one is now the Jewish Museum.

The historic centre of Krakow was once surrounded by a 3km long defensive wall complete with 46 towers and seven main entrances. Today only a fragment of the old fortifications remains including the Florian Gate, the Barbican and a few towers.

Underground Museum

Beneath the city of Krakow and housed within the underground corridors of the market square, you will find a museum, which showcases how the city looked and felt during the Middle Ages complete with stone roads with potholes made by cartwheels during the 13th century.

Royal Road

The historic centre of Krakow is bisected by the Royal Road, the coronation route traversed by the Kings of Poland. The Route begins at St. Florian's Church outside the northern flank of the old city walls in the medieval suburb of Kleparz; passes the Barbican of Krakow built in 1499 and enters Stare Miasto through the Florian Gate. It leads down Floriańska Street through the Main Square, and up Grodzka to Wawel, the former seat of Polish royalty overlooking the Vistula River.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers that you might find helpful:

Q: Where is the Historic Centre of Krakow located?
A: The Historic Centre is located in the heart of the city of Krakow, Poland, surrounded by the Planty Park, which is a ring of public gardens that encircles the Old Town.

Q: When was the Historic Centre of Krakow designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Q: What is the history of the Historic Centre of Krakow?
A: The Historic Centre is a well-preserved example of a medieval European town. The city played an important role in the development of the Polish state, and many of its buildings have survived from the Middle Ages. The Main Market Square is the largest medieval market square in Europe and features the Gothic St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower. The Wawel Castle and the Wawel Cathedral, which sit on the Wawel Hill, are also iconic landmarks of the Historic Centre of Krakow.

Q: What can I see on a visit to the Historic Centre of Krakow?
A: Visitors can explore the charming streets and squares of the Old Town, admire the many beautiful buildings and churches, and visit museums and galleries. Some of the must-see sites include the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and the Town Hall Tower. You can also take a stroll along the Royal Route, which is a historical and architectural route that connect the Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square.

Q: Is the Historic Centre of Krakow open to visitors?
A: It is open to visitors year-round, but please check the official website for current opening hours and any potential restrictions.

Q: How long does a visit to the Historic Centre of Krakow last?
A: A visit to the Historic Centre can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how much you want to see and do.

Q: Are there any special requirements to visit the Historic Centre of Krakow?
A: There are no special requirements to visit the Historic Centre, but visitors should be aware that many of the buildings and museums have limited accessibility for people with disabilities.

Q: Are there any other things to do in the area?
A: Krakow is a vibrant and culturally rich city with many things to see and do beyond the Historic Centre. Some popular attractions include the Jagiellonian University, the Kazimierz district (historical Jewish Quarter), the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which are all nearby.

Krakow Old Town Tours & Experiences

Cloth Hall Kazimierz Krakow Old Town UNESCO World Heritage site

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March 25, 2021

Churches Of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica

Churches Of Peace

Churches Of Peace – updated 10 January 2023.

The Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica, were built in the former Silesia in the mid-17th century. They were named after the Peace of Westphalia, which was the name given to two peace treaties signed in October 1648 that resulted in the end of the Thirty Years War bringing peace to the Holy Roman Empire and closing a calamitous period of European history that killed approximately eight million people.

The peace treaties effectively eradicated the Evangelical Church in the region depriving the Evangelical majority of the population any religious freedom and all of their churches.

After diplomatic intervention by Sweden, permission was granted to build three churches outside the city walls; however, this permission came with strict physical and political constraints. The Lutherans of Silesia were allowed to build three churches from wood, clay and straw without steeples and church bells with a construction deadline of just one year.

Albrecht von Säbisch

The project was handed to architect and engineer Albrecht von Säbisch who had the difficult task of meeting the requirements of the large Evangelical community whilst also adhering to the caveats imposed on the construction of the churches.

The architect created a set of buildings that represented the pinnacle of timber-framing construction technology and architectural solutions. The Churches of Peace are the largest timber-framed Baroque ecclesiastical buildings in Europe and were built to a scale and complexity unknown in European wooden architecture before or since.

Albrecht von Säbisch used traditional materials and technologies and despite the impermanence of the materials used, the building survived for hundreds of years.

Jawor

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Jawor was built in 1654–1655 as a rectangular three-aisled basilica with a three-sided chancel of reduced form.

Świdnica

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Świdnica was built in 1656–1657 as a three-aisled basilica with a Greek cross ground plan. The third of the Churches of Peace allowed under the Peace of Westphalia was built in Głogów in 1652 but burned down a hundred years later. Since 2001, the two remaining churches are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers that you might find helpful:

Q: Where are the Churches of Peace located?
A: The two Churches of Peace (Jaworska and Świdnicka) are located in the Lower Silesia region of Poland, in the towns of Jawor and Świdnica, respectively. Both are located in southwestern Poland.

Q: When were the Churches of Peace built?
A: The Church of Peace in Jawor was built between 1655 and 1657, while the Church of Peace in Świdnica was built between 1657 and 1666.

Q: What is the history of the Churches of Peace?
A: The Churches of Peace were built as part of the Treaty of Westphalia, which brought an end to the 30 Years War (1618-1648) in Europe. The treaty granted the Protestants of Silesia the right to build three wooden churches, as a counterbalance to the Catholic churches in the region. The Jawor and Świdnica churches are two of the three that were built. They are some of the largest wooden religious buildings in Europe and are considered architectural and engineering masterpieces of their time.

Q: What can I see on a visit to the Churches of Peace?
A: Visitors can explore the interior of the churches and admire the intricate woodwork and the beautiful frescoes and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. You can also see the organ, pulpit, and altar.

Q: Are the Churches of Peace open to visitors?
A: Yes, both churches are open to visitors, but please check the official website for current opening hours and potential restrictions.

Q: How long does a visit to the Churches of Peace last?
A: A visit to the Churches of Peace can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much you want to explore and learn.

Q: Are there any special requirements to visit the Churches of Peace?
A: There are no special requirements to visit the Churches of Peace, but visitors should be aware that photography inside the churches is not allowed.

Q: Are there any other things to do in the area?
A: Both Jawor and Świdnica are historic towns with charming old town squares and many other interesting buildings, monuments, and museums to visit. The area is also great for hiking and biking. The region is also famous for its culture of glass making and it is worth visiting some of the glassworks and museums to learn more about it.