The Collegiate Basilica of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Hedwig of Silesia in Legnickie Pole

The Collegiate Basilica of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Hedwig of Silesia in Legnickie Pole is an impressive temple with Baroque decor, serving as the centerpiece of the former Benedictine monastery complex. Its construction began in 1719 under the direction of the Czech architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. The masonry, oriented church is distinguished by its unique structure: the nave is laid out on the plan of two intersecting, elongated ellipses set at an angle to the church's axis. The semicircular western façade is adorned with carved panoplies, and the two towers flanking the main portal feature Baroque spires with princely crowns. The interior of the basilica abounds with works of art, such as polychromes by Cosmas Damian Asam and sculptures by Karl Joseph Hiernle. The main altar, with its painting *The Discovery of the Remains of Henry the Pious by St. Hedwig*, was created by the Flemish artist Johan Franz de Backer in 1730, complemented by sculptures of saints and late Baroque stalls. The church was consecrated by Bishop Elias von Sommerfeld on October 7, 1731, although finishing work continued until 1733. In 2014, the temple was granted the status of a minor basilica. Additionally, by decree of the President of Poland on May 1, 2004, the site was recognized as a historic monument. Next to the church stands a mighty linden tree, under which, according to legend, the head of Duke Henry II rests. Since 2017, the basilica has also served as a collegiate church.