Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ostrów

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ostrów is a Catholic filial church located in Ostrów, within the Sulęcin municipality. It belongs to the Parish of St. Henry in Sulęcin. The first mention of this church dates back to 1443, when it served as a monastic chapel, likely managed by the Templars. At that time, it did not have a tower, which was added in 1680. In the 17th century, the church adopted the form of its main altar, and a new altar was funded in 1694. After the Reformation, it converted to Protestantism, and between 1877 and 1879, it underwent a major renovation that altered its architecture and interior, including changes to the cornice and window frames. In 1911, a new Neo-Gothic tower was built, and the interior was adorned with polychrome paintings and new pews. After World War II, the church fell into disuse, and its original furnishings were destroyed. In 1957, the site was reconsecrated as a filial church, and its interior was repainted several times. The church features a Baroque epitaph of J.Ch. Simons from 1753 and a pointed arch portal on the western wall. Its architecture is characterized by rib vaulting and exposed brickwork, which became a distinctive feature after its renovation. The church in Ostrów is an example of dynamic historical changes, transitioning from Catholicism to Protestantism and into modern times, making it an important landmark in the region's historical landscape.