Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tulce

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tulce is a Roman Catholic temple whose history dates back to the mid-13th century, when it was built thanks to the foundation of the Łodzia family. It is one of the oldest brick churches in Greater Poland, designed in the late Romanesque style, and has undergone numerous renovations, including in the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as an expansion in 1784. The church is part of the Romanesque Tourist Trail and is one of the ten Marian sanctuaries with papal privileges in the Archdiocese of Poznań. Its architecture combines Gothic and Baroque elements, and its chancel is lower and narrower than the nave. The church is also admired for its hilltop location and the beautiful surrounding landscape. Inside, the church features three Baroque altars from the 17th century, including the main altar with the statue of Our Lady of Tulce, venerated as miraculous. This statue, approved and crowned in 1979, is one of the most important objects of devotion in this place. Also noteworthy is the painting of Our Lady of Consolation, dating back to the 17th century. Despite past neglect, the church has been renovated and has become a place of worship and a center of parish life for local residents. Interestingly, during World War II, the church in Tulce was the only active church in the Środa Wielkopolska County. Moreover, the church has preserved original furnishings, such as Baroque crucifixes, holy water fonts, and bells, which attract many tourists and pilgrims. This combination of history, culture, architecture, and tradition makes the church an important landmark on the map of Greater Poland.