St. Catherine's Church in Cięcina

The Church of St. Catherine in Cięcina, built in 1542, is an important example of Silesian-Lesser Poland-style wooden sacral architecture. It belongs to the Parish of St. Catherine and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. As part of the Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesian Voivodeship, the church boasts a rich history: the first mentions of it date back to 1358. Its final construction began in the 16th century, and over the following years, the church was expanded multiple times, including in 1666–1667 and 1857–1893. In the 1990s, a series of modernization works were carried out. The church’s architecture is characterized by an oriented layout, log structure, short presbytery, and a western tower. The interior is adorned with Baroque furnishings, including altars, the oldest of which is dedicated to St. Catherine. Notable features include the pulpit, organ, and a baptismal font from 1705. Priceless artworks, such as the 15th-century *Annunciation* and *St. Catherine*, also hold significant value. An interesting fact is the use of larch shingles for the roof in 2010, which aligns with traditional craftsmanship methods. The Church of St. Catherine is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural landmark in the region, combining history, architecture, and art.