St. Bartholomew's Church in Głogówek

St. Bartholomew's Church in Głogówek, known as the Pearl of Opole Land, is a parish church in the Opole diocese, first mentioned in 1284. The current building, dating back to the 14th century, was likely constructed on the site of an earlier temple and was founded by the Duke of Opole in 1350. In 1379, the church was granted collegiate status. Its history has been shaped by numerous events, such as Hussite invasions and its takeover by Protestants, but the 17th century brought a period of stabilization when Pope Urban VIII donated the relics of St. Candida. The church is built in the Gothic style with Baroque features. Its interior is adorned with frescoes by František Antonín Šebesta and paintings depicting the life of its patron saint, St. Bartholomew. The main altar houses a painting of the death of St. Bartholomew, and the pulpit and baptismal font are richly carved. The church contains two chapels, including one dedicated to St. Joseph, featuring frescoes on the theme of the Annunciation. The organ, built by the Rieger company in 1929, is used for concerts, and the church boasts a modern set of bells, consecrated in 2015, as well as a historic funeral bell. Interestingly, the St. Bartholomew bell was exhibited at international religious fairs in Italy in 2015.