St. Michael the Archangel Church in Lublin

St. Michael the Archangel Church in Lublin was one of the oldest and most important Gothic temples in the city, built probably at the end of the 13th or the beginning of the 14th century. Its origin is associated with a legend about Prince Leszek the Black, who, after defeating the Yotvingians, was said to have founded the church on the site of his camp. The architecture of the church was impressive, with a three-nave body, an elongated presbytery, and a monumental tower visible from five miles away, covered with copper sheet and equipped with a clock. The church underwent many expansions and reconstructions, especially after damage caused by fires and invasions, including the Tatar invasion in 1341. In the 16th century, the temple became a collegiate church, and buildings such as the rectory and the mansion house were built around it. In the 18th century, the church was rebuilt again after further fires, but in the 19th century, it began to fall into ruin, leading to the decision to demolish it between 1846 and 1852, as the structure was at risk of collapse. Many valuable elements were collected from it and transferred to other churches. In 1936–1938, archaeological excavations were carried out, uncovering the foundations of the church, and in 2002, the area was developed to showcase the remains of this historical building. Although St. Michael the Archangel Church no longer exists physically, it remains an important symbol of Lublin. Various cultural events take place on its site, and the outline of the foundations serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and heritage. The preserved adjacent buildings, such as the Mansion House, the Small Town Hall, and the Rectory, also testify to the former glory of this temple and its role in the life of the local community.