Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Sand in Wrocław

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Sand in Wrocław, also known as Sancta Maria in Arena, is an important religious site located on Piasek Island. It serves as a place of worship and a monastery for the Canons Regular of St. Augustine. The history of the church dates back to the 12th century, when the original Romanesque building was founded by Piotr Włost and his family. Over the centuries, the temple underwent numerous reconstructions, and between 1334 and 1375, a new Gothic church was erected, consecrated in 1369. The architecture of the building is an example of reduced Gothic style, characterized by its massive form, two towers, and a spacious hall. The interior of the church is adorned with star vaults, and rich architectural details, such as a late Gothic baptismal font and numerous sculptures, testify to its historical significance. After World War II, the church was destroyed but was rebuilt between 1946–1948 and 1961–1963, restoring many Gothic elements and incorporating damaged altars from other Silesian churches. Today, the church houses a famous moving nativity scene and a Baroque painting of the Victorious Mother of God. The church serves as a parish and is a venue for important cultural and religious events, as well as an attractive tourist destination. An interesting fact is that in 1991, Brother Roger of Taizé led prayers in the church, commemorated by a plaque unveiled in 2005. The church and the adjacent monastery are designated as historical monuments, and their history and architecture attract both the faithful and tourists.