St. Barbara's Church in Bielsko-Biała

The Church of St. Barbara in Bielsko-Biała, located in the Mikuszowice Krakowskie district, is a wooden temple dating back to 1690, serving as an example of rural sacral architecture in the Silesian-Lesser Poland style. It belongs to the Diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec and functions as a parish church. Its history dates back to the 13th century when the first temple was built, which was later destroyed by a flood. The second church, constructed in 1455, underwent various transformations, served as a branch of the parish in Łodygowice, and after Protestant influences, it returned to Catholic hands in 1615. The current church was built on the initiative of parish priest Urban Kupiszowski. The interior is richly decorated with 18th-century polychrome by Johann Mentil, depicting legends of St. Barbara. The main altar features a copy of a Gothic triptych from around 1470, and the side altars display valuable works, including a Gothic sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Architecturally, the church stands out with its so-called log-and-post structure, an 18th-century fence, and a distinctive shingle roof. The surroundings include an old cemetery with a crucifix and numerous tombstones, as well as roadside figures. An interesting fact is that on September 7, 1965, a separate Parish of St. Barbara was established, and in 1993–1994, restoration work was carried out on the polychrome. The building is part of the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesian Voivodeship, highlighting its cultural and historical value.