Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Radziejów

The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Radziejów is a Roman Catholic temple and a monastery of the Conventual Franciscans, located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. The history of this site dates back to 1298, when Duke Władysław Łokietek donated the land for the construction of the church and monastery. Despite difficulties related to wars and political turmoil, construction did not begin until 1331. The church underwent numerous reconstructions and was repeatedly damaged by fires and invasions, resulting in the loss of its original architecture. Among the most significant events are the fire in 1610, which led to the rebuilding of the complex, and the destruction by the Swedes in 1657. In 1748, the church was rebuilt, and in 1789, the construction of a brick monastery began, which now exists in the shape of the letter L. In the 19th century, the temple underwent important renovations, and after the dissolution of the monastery in 1864, it was managed by diocesan priests. The architecture of the church represents the Gothic style, with later neo-Gothic elements, such as the 19th-century porch. The interior features a crystal vault, altar arcades, and a Baroque crucifix. The church's furnishings include altars in the late Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles, as well as valuable monuments such as a pulpit from around 1600 and a monstrance from the 17th century. In 2014, the temple was granted the title of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Interestingly, according to local legends, there was an underground passage connecting the church with the nearby castle, although no material evidence of this has been found. The church in Radziejów is not only an important place of worship but also a witness to the rich history of the region.