Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist and the Holy Trinity in Budzynek

The Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist and the Holy Trinity in Budzynek is a wooden temple in the Archdiocese of Łódź, with a history dating back to the 16th century. Considered the oldest wooden religious building in the region, it was likely built by the Dominican friars of Łęczyca, who were the owners of the village. The current structure, erected between 1710 and 1711, features a striking octagonal presbytery, which was originally a separate rotunda-style chapel. The church stands out for its rich furnishings, including a Baroque main altar and side altars adorned with images of saints. One of its treasures is the painting *The Feast of Herodias – The Beheading of St. John the Baptist*. The church underwent a comprehensive renovation between 1996 and 1997, funded by state authorities, highlighting its status as a national heritage monument. The parish, established in 1926, has approximately 350 faithful, making it one of the smallest in Poland. Each year, the parish feast attracts believers from nearby towns. The temple, with its belfry from 1978, is situated in a picturesque rural park, close to an ancient stronghold site, underscoring its cultural and historical significance in the region. An intriguing feature is a mysterious inscription on the rood beam containing an incorrect foundation date, which may reflect the historical and socio-cultural conditions of that era.