Evangelical Church in Żeliszów

Pearl of Żeliszów, formerly an Evangelical church from the years 1796-1797, is located on the southwestern edge of the village of Żeliszów in Bolesławiec County. The architecture of the building, attributed to Carl Gotthard Langhans, stands out for its elliptical shape and undecorated facades, with a roof adapted to the form of the structure. In 1872, a bell tower was added, which unfortunately damaged the roof structure. The interior of the Pearl was once richly decorated, with an elliptical dome and wooden galleries. After 1945, the church ceased to serve its original function, and after the departure of the German residents, the building fell into disrepair due to lack of supervision and numerous acts of vandalism. All furnishings, including the altar, chandeliers, and organ, were stolen or destroyed. It was not until 2005 that the Pearl was added to the list of monuments of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. After several unsuccessful attempts at development, in 2010, the short film "The Chapel" was made, which contributed to increased interest in the site. In 2012, the Your Heritage Foundation began efforts to save the Pearl, and in 2014, renovation work began, lasting until 2019. The inauguration of the Pearl's new function took place in 2018 during a concert. Today, it is a multifunctional cultural arena hosting a variety of events, and visiting the building is possible during these events or by prior arrangement. It is also worth mentioning the adjacent 19th-century Evangelical cemetery, which highlights the historical context of the site.