St. Margaret and St. Augustine Church in Witów

The Church of St. Margaret and St. Augustine in Witów-Kolonia is an important Roman Catholic site, recognized as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Annunciation, housing a relic of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Annunciation. The history of the temple dates back to 1179, when it was founded by the Bishop of Płock, Wit of Chotel, which is the origin of the name "Witów." The church originally belonged to the Norbertine abbey, which was destroyed by the Tatars in 1241, resulting in the death of most of the nuns and monks. Over the centuries, it played an important role as a venue for royal meetings, but its fate changed due to the dissolution of the order in the 19th century, leading to its ruin. Thanks to the efforts of Canon Grzegorz Gogol, the church was restored, and the image of Mary was re-crowned, making it a Marian sanctuary. Architecturally, the church has a Baroque style with a three-nave basilica structure, two bell towers, and a richly decorated interior, including the main altar with the miraculous image of Our Lady, beautiful stuccoes, and a twelve-voice organ. From the former abbey, the gate tower has also been preserved, now serving as a belfry. An interesting fact is the proverb about the abbot of Witów, which testifies to the wealth of this monastery. The church also features a plaque commemorating Fr. Roch Łaski, the parish priest who died after being arrested by the communist authorities. The Sanctuary in Witów is an important element of the regional cultural and historical heritage, combining tragic events of the past with a living religious tradition.