St. Nicholas Church in Harta

St. Nicholas Church in Harta, located in the Dynów commune of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, is a historic single-nave structure measuring 33.9 meters in length and 11.6 meters in width. Founded in 1460 by Małgorzata Mościcowa and Stanisław Denowski, it is the third church built on this site, with its current form dating back to the years 1779–1804, when it was constructed in a Renaissance-Baroque style using brick. The church interior is adorned with 12 large windows, and the presbytery features a domed vault. It also houses a main altar with an image of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and three side altars dedicated to St. John Nepomucene, St. Anne, and St. Anthony. A serious incident occurred in 1969 when the main altar was set on fire by unknown perpetrators, which could have led to the destruction of the church, but local residents ultimately saved the building. The church complex also includes a bell tower with two bells, a fence with four shrines, as well as a vicarage and a rectory. The bell tower, built in 1886 or 1889, is known for its Gothic bell from the 16th century and a second bell from 1837. The shrines, constructed in 1889, do not contain interior figures but form an essential part of the fence. The church has undergone numerous renovations, including the replacement of the roof with zinc sheeting and foundation repairs. Surrounding the church is a parish cemetery dating back to the late 18th century, which has been expanded twice and contains a Neo-Gothic chapel from the early 20th century. The entire church complex is listed as a historical monument, underscoring its cultural and historical significance in the region. A fascinating tidbit is the church’s history of repeatedly overcoming adversities, such as wars and fires, while remaining an important place for the local community.