St. George's Church in Puńców

The Church of St. George in Puńców, located in the Cieszyn County, is the oldest brick church in Cieszyn Silesia, built in 1518 in the late Gothic style. Between 1902 and 1905, it underwent significant modifications, including the construction of a Neo-Gothic tower and a new facade. The church is single-naved, with a two-bay chancel terminating in three sides, creating a harmonious liturgical space. The interior is adorned with numerous valuable elements, such as a late Gothic altar and a 16th-century stone sacrament house. Its unique feature is the palm-star vault, supported by a central octagonal pillar, making it the only such example in Cieszyn Silesia. The sculpture of St. John of Nepomuk and the epitaph of Jakub Dworzak attest to the church's rich history and its importance to the local community. In 2012, a comprehensive renovation began, covering both the interior and the roof of the church. Also of great value is the polychrome on the central pillar, dated to the mid-17th century and considered an example of Cieszyn Mannerism. Its themes include Gospel scenes and the life of St. Isidore the Laborer, with inscriptions beneath them in the Czech language. The polychrome was severely damaged, but conservation work revealed that it was executed using the impasto technique with a limited color palette. Interestingly, the patron who commissioned the painting remains unknown, though it may have been the work of the Cieszyn nobility. As an integral part of the cultural and historical landscape of the region, the church not only serves a religious function but also stands as an important architectural monument, reflecting the development of art and tradition in Cieszyn Silesia.