Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lwówek Śląski

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lwówek Śląski is one of the oldest temples in Lower Silesia, with a history dating back to 1209, when Duke Henry I the Bearded commissioned the construction of a new brick church in place of an existing wooden structure. The actual construction of the new church began in 1300 under the patronage of the Order of St. John, which had taken over the temple. The Gothic architecture of the church, with distinct Romanesque elements such as the preserved facade with two towers, reflects various stages of its expansion, including later modifications in the 15th and 16th centuries. The interior of the church features three naves, eight bays, and rich furnishings, including a Renaissance baptismal font and an 18th-century Baroque painting. The church has suffered numerous damages, including fires, which led to reconstructions and adaptations of its interior. Today, it is a place where liturgies and concerts are held. An interesting feature is the availability of an audio guide that narrates the rich history and architecture of the temple. In the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built in 1496, there is a late Gothic vault, and on the church grounds, numerous epitaphs and monuments have been preserved, including those of St. John Paul II and St. John Nepomucene, making this place not only an important point on the map of Lower Silesia but also a site of great cultural and historical significance.