Co-Cathedral of St. Stanislaus the Bishop in Ostrów Wielkopolski

The Co-Cathedral of St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr in Ostrów Wielkopolski is a Neo-Romanesque church built at the beginning of the 20th century, funded by Prince Ferdinand Radziwiłł. The church was consecrated on October 6, 1907. Its history dates back to the 15th century when the first wooden church was erected in Ostrów. In the 18th century, due to the city's growth, a larger wooden church was constructed, though it was never consecrated and was eventually dismantled in 1906. The new co-cathedral, designed by Sylwester Pajzderski and Roger Sławski, draws inspiration from Romanesque style to stand out among the Gothic churches built by Germans. The architecture of the co-cathedral is that of a three-nave basilica with a transept, featuring an asymmetrical tower reaching a height of 55 meters. The interior is characterized by rich decorations, including polychrome works by Henryk Jackowski-Nostitz and stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The main altar houses an alabaster sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, while the side naves contain sculptures of saints. In 1976, the co-cathedral was the site of significant events when it was visited by the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, and in 1992, it was elevated to the status of a co-cathedral of the Kalisz Diocese. Another interesting fact is that the church houses early 20th-century organs and bells, one of which survived World War II. Surrounding the co-cathedral are accompanying buildings, such as the rectory with Neo-Gothic elements, the 19th-century Catholic House, and the Archbishop's Convict. The co-cathedral is not only an important place of worship but also a significant element of the region's cultural heritage, playing a vital role in the social life of Ostrów Wielkopolski.