Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Żyrardów

The Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Żyrardów, built between 1900 and 1903, is one of the main religious buildings in Masovia and is characterized by its Neo-Gothic style, designed by Józef Pius Dziekoński. Its history dates back to 1898, when the Catholic parish was established, and significant donations for its construction—including contributions from Karol Dittrich Jr. and a gift from the Board of the Żyrardów Factories Joint-Stock Company—made the project possible. The church's external form draws inspiration from French cathedrals, such as Cologne Cathedral and the Votive Church in Vienna, making it a representative example of sacral architecture from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The interior is adorned with three richly decorated altars and valuable Art Nouveau stained-glass windows, the work of Jan Kanty Gumowski. Attention is also drawn to the tracery, styled after Gothic patterns, reflecting French architectural influences. The church houses relics of saints and features a historic organ made in 1911. Interestingly, the stained-glass window depicting Mary with the Infant Jesus symbolizes a unique blend of cultural elements with local history, and its composition includes references to the figure of Józef Piłsudski. The Church of Our Lady of Consolation not only serves a religious function but also stands as a significant landmark on the cultural and historical map of the region, bearing witness to the social and architectural transformations of Żyrardów.