Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Kłodzko

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Kłodzko, situated on Piasek Island, is a Roman Catholic temple whose history dates back to the arrival of the Franciscans around 1250. In 1257, a chapel existed here, and the first mention of the church comes from an indulgence document from 1350. In 1427, during the Hussite Wars, the Franciscans were forced to leave the temple, moving inside the city walls. The monastery buildings were destroyed by fire in 1463, and after their reconstruction, further problems related to the decline of the order occurred at the beginning of the 16th century when the authorities of Kłodzko took over their properties. The site was returned to the Franciscans in 1604, and a new building was constructed between 1628 and 1631. Although handed over in a raw state, the structure was gradually completed until 1697. In 1810, the monks were removed as part of secularization, leaving the buildings empty for a decade until the authorities decided to convert the church into a Catholic garrison church. After World War II, the Franciscans returned in 1945. The church, damaged by floods in 1783, 1938, and the catastrophic Millennium Flood in 1997, underwent numerous renovations, including in 1974–1975 and 1998–2010. Architecturally, the church is a three-nave basilica with two towers on the western facade. The interior blends styles, featuring octagonal chapels and a barrel vault. The altars and paintings date from the 19th-century eclecticism period and refer to the mysteries of the Rosary, with the main altar dedicated to the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Listed in the register of monuments in 1964, the church is not only an important element of Kłodzko's cultural heritage but also a significant tourist attraction. Interesting aspects include its numerous stained-glass windows, painted decorations, and the fact that its location picturesquely frames the perspective of the medieval Gothic bridge. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, still active, plays an important role in the religious life of the local community.