St. Sigismund of Burgundy Church in Kleszczele

The Church of Saint Sigismund of Burgundy in Kleszczele is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within the Hajnówka deanery of the Drohiczyn diocese. Constructed between 1907 and 1910, it is distinguished by its Neoclassical style, making it an interesting example of sacral architecture from that era. The construction of the temple was supervised by Joachim Łukaszewicz from Boćki, and the cornerstone was consecrated on May 3, 1908, by Father Antoni Panasiewicz, who also consecrated the completed building on July 27, 1910. The church served not only as a place of worship but also played a significant role in the life of the local community. Its history was dramatic, especially during World War II, when the building suffered severe damage due to artillery shelling in June 1941. After the war, particularly in 1946, thanks to the efforts of Father Aleksander Swerpel, the church was renovated. Another interesting aspect is the patronage of Saint Sigismund of Burgundy, which may be linked to local traditions and the cultural heritage of the region. The church is an important landmark not only for the faithful but also for the history of Kleszczele, serving as a testament to the past and cultural continuity in this region of Poland.