Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Warsaw

The Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Warsaw is a Roman Catholic place of worship that serves as a parish in the Grochów deanery of the Warsaw-Praga diocese. It is located in the Praga-Południe district, in Grochów, near Piotr Szembek Square. The church was built to honor those who died in the Battle of Olszynka Grochowska and was consecrated by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński on October 30, 1949. Construction began in 1934 on the initiative of Jan Łaski, supervised by Father Jan Sztuka. During the construction, two mass graves of insurgents were discovered, highlighting the historical significance of the site. The church did not suffer significant damage during World War II, despite attempts by the occupiers to destroy it. The architecture of the church combines elements of Gothic and modern styles. The main body is three-aisled, with pointed-arch vaults reminiscent of Gothic forms. The exterior facade is richly decorated, featuring distinctive elements such as a slender tower, portals with tracery, and a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Inside the church, there are marble altars and statues of angels, and the organist plays an instrument with 56 voices. The church serves the local community and is a place of remembrance and worship, as emphasized by plaques dedicated to soldiers who fought in the battle. In recent years, renovations have been carried out, including the replacement of the roof sheet metal and the modernization of the surveillance system. In 2018, a new cross was installed on the tower, replacing the one damaged during a storm. The Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is not only an important place of worship but also a valuable architectural monument that combines rich history, local traditions, and religious values.