Church of the Savior in Bielsko-Biała

The Church of the Savior in Bielsko-Biała is a historic Evangelical-Augsburg church located at Martin Luther Square. It serves as the main temple of the Evangelical-Augsburg Parish and is the bishop's church of the Cieszyn Diocese. Constructed between 1782 and 1790, its neo-Gothic appearance dates from a reconstruction carried out between 1881 and 1882. The history of the church is linked to the Edict of Tolerance issued by Emperor Joseph II in 1781, which allowed Protestants to build churches and establish schools. Construction began on the so-called Bielsko Zion, with the cornerstone laid in 1782. In 1808, a great fire struck the city, destroying both wooden and brick buildings, including the church. However, reconstruction began that same year. Initially rectangular and without a tower, the church was remodeled in the neo-Romanesque style between 1849 and 1852, and later in the neo-Gothic style under the direction of architect Heinrich von Ferstel. The church's architecture is characterized by its tall tower, ribbed vaulting, and a pulpit integrated with the altar. Inside, visitors can admire neo-Gothic organs, chandeliers, and valuable Protestant old prints. Next to the church stands the only monument to Martin Luther in Poland, highlighting its cultural significance. Also of note is a plaque dedicated to the memory of pastors murdered in concentration camps during World War II. The Church of the Savior in Bielsko-Biała is not only a place of worship but also an important historical and cultural landmark for the Evangelical community in the region.