The Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Sanok

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Sanok, commonly known as Fara, is a Neo-Romanesque Roman Catholic temple built between 1874 and 1886. It was designed by Józef Braunseis on the site of the old Gothic Church of St. Michael the Archangel, which burned down in 1782. Construction of the church began on the initiative of parish priest Fr. Franciszek Czaszyński, who gathered funds from parishioners and donors, including the royal court. The church is masonry-built, oriented, and has a rectangular floor plan with three naves. After construction was completed in 1886, the parish was transferred from the Monastery of the Franciscan Fathers. In the following years, finishing works were carried out, and renowned craftsmen, including Antoni Konieczny and A. Domański, created works such as the organ, polychromes, and stained-glass windows. The temple is not only a place of worship for local Catholics but also a cultural center. Over the years, various events have been organized here, including jubilees and masses with the participation of notable figures such as Stefan Wyszyński. The interior of the church is adorned with numerous sculptures, stained-glass windows, and historical memorabilia, including tributes to fallen soldiers and national figures such as John III Sobieski and Józef Piłsudski. The church also serves as a memorial to the victims of World War II and the Katyn massacre, as reflected in the numerous commemorative plaques. An interesting feature is the presence of epitaphs, including one for Fr. Franciszek Czaszyński, the main founder of the church, and for Zygmunt Boleścia Kozłowski. The church grounds also include facilities supporting local activities, such as a monument to John Paul II, a statue of the Virgin Mary, and plaques commemorating important events in Polish history. In 1981, a rectory was built, designed by engineer Bogusław Hofbauer. To this day, the church, with its rich history and architecture, remains an important landmark in Sanok and a place that attracts both parishioners and tourists. It is also worth mentioning the activities of scouts in this location, which highlights the church's significance in the local community.