Basilica of St. James and St. Agnes in Nysa

The Basilica of St. James the Apostle and St. Agnes in Nysa is the largest religious building in the city and a valuable historical monument, regarded as a historic landmark. It can be considered a cathedral due to its significance and the numerous bishops buried within its walls. The history of the basilica dates back to legendary beginnings when a pious resident of Nysa, Jakub, built a wooden church here around the year 1000. A stone church was laid on its foundations in 1195, with subsequent reconstructions in the 14th and 15th centuries transforming it into a Gothic basilica. The church's architecture stands out with its hall-like, nine-bay structure, featuring one of the steepest roofs in Europe and a monumental rib vault supported by slender pillars. The interior is adorned with numerous chapels, including Baroque ones to the north and south, and Gothic ones to the east. The church houses many valuable works of art, such as the late Gothic Madonna and Child from 1410 and paintings by Hans Dürer. A wooden triptych that survived the war is placed in the presbytery. The church has a rich history, having suffered numerous damages over the centuries, including fires and sieges, and was rebuilt under the supervision of renowned architects. In the 20th century, the basilica underwent significant renovations, notably between 1957 and 1961 and in the 1930s, before being granted the title of a papal basilica in 2009. Interestingly, events during the Thirty Years' War led to the legend of Nysa's miraculous salvation from a fire, which contributed to the growth of the veneration of St. James. The church also served as the seat of the bishops of Wrocław from 1650, with richly decorated stalls for canons. The bell tower, whose construction began in 1474, was originally planned to be tall but was completed only up to the fourth floor. Inside, there are numerous epitaphs and sarcophagi of bishops, making the temple an important site for local culture and clergy. In recent years, the Treasury of St. James has been opened, displaying precious liturgical items and goldsmithing artworks.