St. Barbara and St. Joseph's Church in Jastrzębie-Zdrój

The Church of St. Barbara and St. Joseph in Jastrzębie-Zdrój is a historic wooden religious building constructed in the first half of the 17th century, originally located in Jedłownik. In the 1970s, it was relocated to Jastrzębie-Zdrój. It is the oldest temple in the city and is recognized as an important site on the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesian Voivodeship. The history of the church dates back to at least 1447, when it was first recorded in the Peter's Pence register, with detailed descriptions available from the 17th century. Some hypotheses suggest the church may be even older, possibly dating back to 1345, though this has not been confirmed by research. Architecturally, the church is a single-nave structure with a three-sided chancel and a projecting bell tower featuring a timber-frame construction. The interior is characterized by a barrel vault ceiling and historic details such as a 17th-century pulpit and an altar with a painting of St. Barbara. Historically, in the 19th century, the church lost its parish status to a newly built brick church, leading to its neglect. However, in the 1970s, it was relocated and renovated, which contributed to its preservation. Interestingly, during conservation work, it was discovered that some of the old furnishings date back to 1647. The church also holds cultural significance for the local community, hosting various parish events and gatherings. Its preservation and conservation represent an important step in maintaining local cultural heritage.