St. Mary Magdalene Church in Czersk

St. Mary Magdalene Church in Czersk is a Roman Catholic Neo-Gothic temple built between 1910 and 1913, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The parish was first mentioned in a document from 1382, and over the centuries, significant religious buildings on this site were destroyed and rebuilt, including due to a fire in 1756. The current church, designed by architect Oskar Hossfeld, features a three-nave hall structure with a polygonal chancel, a 40-meter-high square bell tower, and an elaborately decorated roof. The red brick façade is adorned with blind window decorations, and the main entrance is guarded by a statue of St. Mary Magdalene. The interior is characterized by the use of polychrome paintings, beamed ceilings, and stained-glass windows, as well as rich furnishings, including eight altars and Rococo and Baroque-style confessionals. The main altar, brought to Czersk in 1845, is a Baroque masterpiece distinguished by sculptures of angels and a painting depicting the Holy Trinity. An interesting feature of the interior are the paintings by Professor Otto Linnemann, which depict scenes with biblical allegories and events from the life of Christ. The church organ, built in 1913, enriches the liturgical space and is a source of music during services. Interestingly, before World War I, there were three bells, and after a new casting in 1912, additional ones were added, each with individual inscriptions and dedications. The rectory, built in 1828, is an example of modest Classicist architecture. St. Mary Magdalene Church is not only the central point of religious life in Czersk but also an important part of the local cultural heritage, reflecting the history of the region and the evolution of architectural styles over the centuries.