Church of Peace in Świdnica

The Peace Church in Świdnica is the largest wooden Baroque temple in Europe, constructed using the half-timbered method on a Greek cross plan. Its structure is based on a wooden framework filled with clay and straw, which allowed for spaciousness—the interior area measures 1,090 m². Built in 1656 according to the design of Albrecht von Saebisch, the church could accommodate 7,500 people and was a response to restrictions on the religious freedom of Protestants. Among its exceptional furnishings are the Baroque pulpit from 1729, adorned with biblical scenes, and the main altar from 1752, featuring a bas-relief of the "Last Supper" and a depiction of God the Father. The organ, built between 1666 and 1909, enriches the cultural value of the church, while the Hochberg family lodge, constructed in 1698, highlights the importance of its patrons. The ceilings are decorated with paintings from 1694–1696 depicting scenes of revelations, making the interior even more extraordinary. The Peace Church is one of three such structures in the region permitted to be built under the rule of the Catholic Emperor Ferdinand III as a result of the Thirty Years' War. Interestingly, although its origins are tied to religious conflicts, today it stands as a symbol of reconciliation, serving as a venue for ecumenical prayers for peace attended by high-ranking officials, including the Chancellor of Germany and the Prime Minister of Poland. In 2001, the Peace Church in Świdnica was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming its significance not only locally but also globally.