St. James Church in Warsaw

St. James Church in Warsaw, located at 2 Mehoffera Street, is a Gothic temple from the 15th century, situated within the Warsaw-Praga diocese and serving as the seat of the Parish of St. James the Apostle. Its history dates back to 1427, when the first mention appeared in the book of the lay judges of New Warsaw. Built by the Gołyński family, the church was an economic center for Tarchomin, and its construction was completed under the stewardship of Warsaw starost Adrian Gołyński in 1518. The church, designed as a single-nave structure with a narrower chancel, was consecrated in 1582 but later declined in significance due to war damage and depopulation during the Swedish Deluge. In the 18th century, thanks to the Ossoliński family, a major renovation and expansion took place, introducing Baroque features such as a new porch, treasury, and sacristy. Inside the church, Baroque elements and dedications related to the Ossoliński family can be found, along with flooring and paintings from the late 19th century. A valuable main altar features an image of Jesus Christ on the Cross and the church's patron, St. James the Apostle. An interesting detail is the metal plate with the Ossoliński coat of arms, covering the standard-bearer's crypt—the first archaeological trace discovered in 1978. The organ, built by Józef Szymański in the 19th century, has undergone numerous modernizations. As an important cultural and historical landmark, the church is a beautiful example of Masovian Gothic architecture, attracting both worshippers and tourists.