The Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene in Czarnków

The Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene in Czarnkowo, located in the Archdiocese of Poznań, has its roots in the 13th century, and its church, formerly a collegiate church, is the city's most valuable historical monument. Built in the late Gothic style, with the year 1247 inscribed on its Gothic tower, the church has undergone various stages of expansion and renovation. The present structure was erected between 1580 and 1586 and was consecrated by Bishop Jan Węgorzewski. The interior of the church is adorned with a Baroque altar depicting the church's patron saint, Mary Magdalene, as well as sculptures of the apostles Peter and Paul. The chancel houses a chapel of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the entire space is divided into several chapels, including the Chapel of the Flagellation of Jesus, the Chapel of the Guardian Angels, and the Chapel of John of Nepomuk, all of which contain valuable historical artifacts and paintings. Particular attention is drawn to the Chapel of the Guardian Angels, which holds mementos of the Czarnkowski family, as well as the Renaissance tomb of Maciej and Katarzyna Czarnkowski. For two centuries, the church served as a collegiate church, and after obtaining this status, the Chapel of the Flagellation was added. It is also worth mentioning the vestibule, where a plaque commemorates the last parish priest, Father Mikołaj Swinarski, who was murdered in a camp. Architectural details such as Rococo stalls and Baroque altars are examples of the richly decorated religious art of that period. With its rich history, the church in Czarnkowo is not only a place of worship but also an important landmark on the historical map of the region. Interestingly, the interior hides various symbols, such as the Vanitas in the painting of Saint Mary Magdalene, which speak to visitors about the transience of life.