St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sowno

St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sowno, a Neo-Gothic temple built in 1889, stands out with its brick construction on a rectangular plan and a narrow tower topped with an octagonal spire. Inside, unique elements have been preserved, such as a Renaissance altar from the 16th century, a pulpit, and the tombstone of the court jester Mikołaj Hinze. The altar, crafted by the court sculptor Hans Peisser, was originally intended for the residence of Duke Barnim XI, and its history is linked to the tragic events of the Thirty Years' War and numerous alterations over the following years. The altar is located at the center of the church and is adorned with around 100 realistic figures, including a central scene of the Last Supper and depictions of the Passion of Christ. The pulpit, also the work of Peisser, is richly decorated and portrays scenes from the life of Christ. An interesting feature is the tombstone of Mikołaj Hinze, the jester of Duke Jan Fryderyk, which illustrates the unusual story of his death resulting from an unfortunate joke. The tombstone, notable for its artistic execution, depicts his figure with characteristic attributes. The church in Sowno, with its rich furnishings and history, is a significant cultural monument of the region, sparking interest in both history and ecclesiastical art.