Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rzeszów

The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rzeszów, also known as Rzeszów Cathedral, is a unique church located at Sikorski Avenue in the southeastern part of the city. Built as a votive offering in gratitude for the 600th anniversary of the Przemyśl Diocese, it is the first temple erected in Rzeszów after World War II. Its history dates back to 1969, when catechetical points began to be organized in the Nowe Miasto district. Over the years, despite repression by the authorities, temporary chapels were built, and in 1974, permission was obtained to construct a permanent church. The cornerstone was consecrated in 1980, and the church was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1991. On March 25, 1992, the church was elevated to the rank of a cathedral, and the inauguration of the first bishop of Rzeszów, Kazimierz Górny, took place in April of the same year. The cathedral, with an area of 2,600 m², features a reinforced concrete structure clad in brick, designed by a team from the Kraków University of Technology under the direction of Professor Witold M. Cęckiewicz. Its unique shape draws on Christian symbolism, resembling a heart and a ship. The monumental bronze doors, designed by Zofia Mitał-Szczepańska, depict not only events from the history of the church but also prominent figures in the Polish church. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire stained glass windows designed by Zygmunt Czyż, which do not contain figurative representations but rather symbolic motifs related to the Stations of the Cross. Rzeszów Cathedral also hosts the annual Summer Music Festival, which began in 1992. The cathedral houses an organ built in 1991, with 36 voices. The bell tower features four bells. An interesting feature is the commemorative plaque dedicated to Poles exiled to Siberia, unveiled by John Paul II in 1991. The cathedral is an important element of the religious and cultural life of the region, combining rich history, architecture, and art.