St. Francis of Assisi Church in Nysa

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Nysa, located at Grodkowska Gate Street, is a historic Roman Catholic site belonging to a former Capuchin monastery complex, listed in the provincial register of monuments. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when wooden buildings stood on this site, including a leprosarium for women and several churches. The Capuchins, who arrived in Nysa in 1654, suggested the location for a new monastery, which was built with funds provided by Bishop Leopold Wilhelm Habsburg. The church was consecrated on October 31, 1660, and dedicated to St. Francis and St. Lawrence. Architecturally, the church represents the Tuscan Baroque style, characterized by austere forms and minimal ornamentation, reflecting the Capuchin order’s values. The building is rectangular in plan with a gable roof, and its interior features frescoes and altars, though these were replaced during a 19th-century renovation. An interesting historical note is that in 1954, the church provided refuge for priests persecuted by the communist authorities. In recent years, restoration work has been carried out, and in 1997, the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi was established. Today, the church plays an important role in the local community, serving as a place of worship and preserving Nysa’s rich history and cultural heritage.