St. James the Apostle Church in Krzemienica

The Church of St. James the Apostle in Krzemienica, located in the Czerniewice municipality in the Łódź Voivodeship, is a historic Catholic temple whose history dates back to the 11th century, when a chapel stood on this site. The wooden church from the 14th century was dismantled at the end of the 15th century, and the current structure was erected between 1598 and 1600, funded by Franciszek and Wawrzyniec Lipski. The church represents the Gothic style with Renaissance elements and is a single-nave building with a bipartite chancel. It is constructed of red brick and features several characteristic architectural elements, such as buttresses, semicircular windows, and a square bell tower with a rebuilt dome covered in copper sheeting. The church is surrounded by a low wall, which once provided protection against attacks. The interior furnishings combine Renaissance and Baroque styles, and among its five altars, the central one—dated to 1616—stands out, richly adorned with gold leaf and floral motifs. The church houses many valuable paintings, including 17th-century works and later copies depicting saints and religious scenes. Among others, the main altar features paintings of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Casimir. The Parish of St. James the Apostle was established in the 14th century and encompasses several surrounding villages, forming part of the Lubochnia Deanery in the Diocese of Łowicz. An interesting fact is that among the furnishings are the tombs of the founders, the Lipski brothers, as well as many elements from the 18th and 19th centuries, which undoubtedly attract both local worshippers and tourists interested in history and sacred art.