Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Koło

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Koło is the oldest temple in the city, built in the Gothic style at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. The first mentions of the church date back to 1362, and its history likely traces back to a chapel founded by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century. The church was consecrated in 1409 and over the centuries served significant religious and educational functions, running a school and overseeing the Literary Brotherhood. Throughout the years, it underwent numerous renovations and adaptations, particularly in the 19th century, when it gained a neo-Gothic porch and its interior was renewed with polychrome paintings by Wincenty Strubiński. The church features a three-nave hall structure, a hall-like main nave, a narrower presbytery, only a small bell turret, and cross-ribbed and star vaults. The interior boasts rich decorations, with the oldest element being the 15th-century tombstone of Jan of Garbów, along with numerous altars, a pulpit, and stained-glass windows. Interestingly, during World War II, the church served as a storage place for children's books and liturgical vessels to protect them from destruction. After the war, the church underwent intensive renovations and conservation efforts, which contributed to its current state. In recent years, relics of St. John Paul II and Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko have been introduced, enriching the spiritual dimension of the temple. The parish, likely established in the 14th century, currently has about 9,000 faithful, and its pastor is Canon Eugeniusz Strzech. The church and its surroundings form an important part of the local culture, with numerous historical commemorations, including memorial plaques. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Koło is not only a place of religious worship but also a witness to the history and culture of the region.