Church of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wolsztyn

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Fara) in Wolsztyn is a Roman Catholic place of worship whose history dates back to the 15th century. The current building, constructed between 1767 and 1769 in the Baroque style, was consecrated by Abbot Jan Nepomucen Bystram. This monumental, three-nave structure with a rectangular floor plan stands out for its richly decorated interior, where the frescoes by Jan Byszkowski are particularly noteworthy. The church has survived numerous historical upheavals, including a fire in 1810 that destroyed its tower, though it was rebuilt in 1830. In 1925, a major renovation took place, resulting in a new sacristy connected to the presbytery and the addition of chapels inside. The Fara avoided significant damage during World War II but underwent repairs between 1946 and 1950. In the following years, the building was restored, and since 2009, it has been modernized under the direction of Fr. Sławomir Majchrzak. The church is known for its beautiful 18th-century bell tower, which originally housed four bells; today, the tower features three new bells from 1983. The southern façade draws attention with its late Baroque sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, while the interior is distinguished by both a pulpit adorned with sculptures of Church Fathers and an organ from 1879, used during liturgy and annual concerts. The Fara contains Rococo side altars, including the 18th-century Altar of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Altar of the Transfiguration, known for its painting inspired by Raphael. The exceptional frescoes, completed in 1778, depict numerous biblical scenes and personifications. The church is a vital part of Wolsztyn's culture and history, serving as a place of prayer, contemplation, and local religious events. An interesting fact is that the crypts under the main nave hold the remains of the church's founders, and all the altars and the organ have undergone thorough renovations in recent years, highlighting their historical significance. Thus, it continues to serve not only a religious role but also a cultural one in the life of the local community.