St. Nicholas Parish in Chrzanów

The Parish of St. Nicholas in Chrzanów is a Roman Catholic community comprising approximately 9,600 faithful. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Kraków and the Chrzanów Deanery. The parish runs an after-school club for children and hosts facilities of the Brother Albert Foundation for people with disabilities. The Church of St. Nicholas has a long history, dating back to the 15th century. In 1429, Mikołaj Rot received payment for the construction of a brick church, making the presbytery one of the oldest preserved structures in Chrzanów. In the 18th century, the building was repeatedly damaged by fires but survived thanks to numerous reconstructions. Between 1912 and 1914, the church was expanded according to a design by Stanisław Oszacki, and its consecration took place in 1921. The presbytery features a main altar from 1882, commissioned by Fr. Władysław Głębocki, with Baroque figures and a painting of St. Nicholas by Michał Stachowicz. Notable elements include an early Renaissance bronze candelabrum from 1534 and a Baroque baptismal font from 1648. The parish boasts rich traditions and numerous parish groups, including altar servers, a schola, and the Light-Life Movement. The history of the parish dates back to the 13th century, when the first chaplaincies were established, with Bartłomiej being the first known parish priest. Initially, the parish belonged to the Oświęcim Deanery and, over the years, expanded to include other localities, such as Góry Luszowskie and Kąty. There was also a Church of the Holy Cross in Chrzanów, which was demolished in the early 19th century. The Parish of St. Nicholas plays a vital role in the life of the local community, blending tradition with modernity through various cultural and social activities.