St. Stanislaus Church in Bielsko-Biała

The Church of St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr in Bielsko-Biała, dated to around 1380, is the oldest religious building in the city, located in the Stare Bielsko district. Built in the Gothic style, it features modest yet distinctive architecture, including narrow pointed-arch windows, buttresses, and a steep roof. It is a single-nave church with a five-sided chancel featuring rib vaulting, and its most valuable elements are the Renaissance paintings and Gothic architectural details. The interior of the church houses a rich collection of polychromes from various periods, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, depicting scenes from the lives of Christ and the saints. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous changes, including renovations and reconstructions, as well as shifts in its parish functions. In the 19th century, it regained its role as a central place of Catholic worship after the Reformation period, during which it was under Protestant administration. The bell from 1555 is adorned with coats of arms, and the cemetery surrounding the church, in use since the 13th century, attests to its long history. Interestingly, remnants of oak roots were discovered beneath the current altar, indicating an earlier pagan place of worship. In 1997, relics of St. Stanislaus were transferred to the church, further emphasizing its religious significance. The church is not only a place of worship but also an important landmark on the cultural map of Bielsko-Biała, reflecting the rich history of the region. It is worth noting that its interior also preserves various elements of liturgical furnishings, including a Rococo music choir and Neo-Gothic organs, as well as numerous epitaphs that attract history and art enthusiasts.