St. Adalbert's Church in Jeleśnia

The Church of St. Adalbert in Jeleśnia is a Baroque temple built in the style of a pseudobasilica, characterized by three naves, with the main naves lacking windows. It is located in the upper part of the village, on the road to the Polish-Slovak border in Korbielów, and its architecture shows Slovak influences, particularly in the form of the tower's dome. It was entered into the register of monuments along with the rectory from 1817 in 1986. The history of the church dates back to 1584, when the first temple was built with funds from local residents. After several transitions, in 1636 the new church was consecrated by the Bishop of Kraków, becoming a separate parish. The building has been the site of numerous events, such as the establishment of the Brotherhood of St. Joseph in 1712 and major changes in furnishings, like the consecration of the main altar in 1658. The church houses many valuable monuments, including altars from different eras, polychromed feretories, and an 18th-century pulpit and baptismal font. It is worth mentioning that the choir features a pipe organ from 1900, built by the Otto Rieger company. Interestingly, during World War I, the second bell and the organ were requisitioned by the Austrians. After World War II, a radio station was installed on the church tower to broadcast Holy Mass. In 2004, the new altar was reconsecrated, and the church continues to play an important role in the religious life of the village. Fragments of the old cemetery and historic trees have been preserved around the temple, and in the 1990s a funeral chapel was built, highlighting the significance of this space in the local community.