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

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wodzisław Śląski is an impressive temple built between 1909 and 1911 in the Neo-Gothic style, designed by the architect Ludwig Schneider from Wrocław. The history of the church dates back to 1257, when the original parish and church were established. This earlier structure was destroyed by fire in 1822. Before the construction of the current church began, the old temple was dismantled with the help of sappers in 1909. The cornerstone was consecrated on August 15, 1909, and the solemn consecration took place on November 17, 1911. A particularly interesting aspect of the construction is the conflict between the parish priest and the city’s patron regarding the financing of the project, which ultimately ended favorably for Father Henryk Weltike. The church stands out not only for its architecture but also for its rich furnishings, including elements salvaged from the old church, such as paintings, sculptures, and two 17th-century chalices. The interior of the church features cross-ribbed vaults, with a total length of 46 meters and a height of the main nave reaching 14 meters. A remarkable feature is the marble altar with its richly decorated tabernacle, as well as 14 oil-painted Stations of the Cross. During the war years, the church suffered damage, particularly its tower, which was not rebuilt until 2001. The bells are also worth mentioning, including three new ones installed in 1958. The church not only serves a religious function but also represents an important cultural landmark in the region, standing as a prominent feature on the map of Wodzisław Śląski.