In the landscape of the Kłodzko Land, next to the majestic peaks and ruins of castles, monumental church towers are one of the most characteristic elements. However, these are not ordinary buildings. The oldestRomanesque and Gothic churches of the Kłodzko Valley are stone chronicles, silent witnesses of the turbulent history of the borderland, where faith mixed with war, and art served both God and defense. Entering their cool, dark interiors is like traveling back in time – to an era when soaring vaults were supposed to bring you closer to the sky and thick walls were supposed to protect against invasion.
As the hosts of “Gołąbek”, enthusiasts of history recorded in every corner of our small homeland, we want to take you on a journey unlike any other. This will not be a guide to mountain trails, but to the trails of faith, craftsmanship and human determination. We have created the ultimate compendium for you. We will make a detailedoverview of the most important temples, explore the secrets of theirarchitecture, we will look for the most beautifulstained glass and talk about priceless treasuresart sacrumthat they hide inside.
In Search of Romanism: The Oldest Traces of Faith in the Region
The Romanesque style, characterized by thick, austere walls, small windows and semicircular arches, was the first great style in Christian Europe. In the Kłodzko Land, due to its peripheral location and the subsequent, intensive reconstruction of most temples in the Gothic and Baroque periods, it has been preserved only in the form of relics. Finding them is a task for true history detectives. The most important place is theSanctuary of Our Lady of the Healing of the Sick in Stary Wielisław, where the foundations and fragments of walls of one of the oldest temples in the region, dating back to the early Middle Ages, are hidden under the baroque robe.
Apogee of Style: Gothic Pearls of the Kłodzko Valley
It was the Gothic style, with its lightness, soaring height and play of light, that defined the architectural sacral landscape of the Kłodzko Land.
Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kłodzko
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Why is it special? It is absolutely the most important and largest temple in the region. Built over two centuries (from the mid-14th century) by the Order of Saint John, it is a textbook example of mature Gothic architecture. Its monumental, three-nave shape with huge buttresses dominates the city. Although its interior has been largely Baroque, the original Gothic structure with beautiful stellar and net vaults has been preserved.
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Art Sacrum: There are true treasures hidden inside. It is worth paying attention to the Gothic figure ofMadonna with a Siskin from around 1380 and the monumental paintings of the “Silesian Rembrandt” –Michael Willmann in the main altar.
Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Bystrzyca Kłodzka
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Why is it special? This is an excellent example of a Gothic defensive church. Its huge stone structure, built on a hill and incorporated into the city wall system, makes a huge impression. Rebuilt after the fires, it retained many original Gothic details, including beautiful portals and vaults.
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Architecture: Note the irregularity of the shape, which results from its multi-stage construction, and the huge tower, which also served as an observation function.
Church of St. Peter and Paul in Duszniki-Zdrój
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Why is it special? Although it is mainly known for its unusual, baroque-shaped shaped pulpit whale, the core of this temple is purely Gothic. It is a single-nave building with a characteristic, polygonal presbytery and beautiful cross-rib vaults.
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Art Sacrum: In addition to the whale, inside there is a valuable Gothic figureMadonna with Baby from around 1400.
Gothic Anatomy: Distinctive Features
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Vaults, Buttresses and Pointed Arches: As you walk through the interiors of Gothic churches, look up. You will see complex arrangements of ribs creating groin, stellar and net vaults. They, along with external buttresses (vertical pillars), allowed the building of such high naves and the insertion of large windows.
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Defense Function: Many smaller, rural churches in the Kłodzko Land are surrounded by a defensive wall with loopholes. In the troubled times of the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years’ War, the church was not only a house of prayer, but also the last refuge for the local population.
Light and Color: The Art of Stained Glass
Unfortunately, few original medieval stained glass windows have survived to this day. However, in many churches (e.g. in the collegiate church in Kłodzko) you can admire beautiful Neo-Gothic stained glass windows from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Made with masterful precision, they refer to medieval techniques and fill the interior with extraordinary, colorful light, creating a mystical atmosphere.
“Gołąbek” – Perfect Base for Discovering Sacred Heritage
Discovering the trail of the oldest churches of the Kłodzko Region is a fascinating journey that requires time and a good base. “Gołąbek” in Stronie Śląskie, located in the heart of the region, is an ideal place for this. We provide excellent access to Kłodzko, Bystrzyca Kłodzka and other towns with valuable monuments. After a day full of artistic and spiritual impressions, our quiet haven offers ideal conditions for rest, reflection and planning the next stages of discovering the extraordinary cultural heritage of the Sudetes.
