Church of St John and St Catherine in Świerzawa

The Church of St John and St Catherine in Świerzawa stands on the northern outskirts of the small town, on the road to Złotoryja, near the bridge over the Kaczawa. It is the most valuable historic monument in Świerzawa and one of the oldest surviving churches in this part of Lower Silesia.

Where such an age comes from

The building was constructed in the first half of the 13th century, and the first documented parish priest is already mentioned in 1268. The Romanesque body and its original stonework have survived to this day in almost unchanged form, which is rare for such an old building. The square tower was only added in the 16th century, together with the Gothic sacristy.

Romanesque details

The church has a single nave, built of stone, closed by a chancel with a semicircular apse. Three Romanesque windows with small columns have survived in the apse. Two portals have Gothic features, and one of them, dating from the 12th century, is decorated with a Tree of Life motif considered an outstanding example of early stonework. The interior also contains a Romanesque font from the 12th century and 16th-century Renaissance tombstones with carved figures.

Wall paintings discovered in 1977

During conservation work in 1977, wall paintings were uncovered. The older ones, from the 13th century, depict animal and plant motifs, including storks, giraffes and fish as symbols of life. The younger ones, from the 14th century, show scenes from the life of St Catherine of Alexandria according to the Golden Legend, and are considered one of the most extensive known cycles devoted to this saint in Central Europe.

From church to museum

The building no longer serves a religious function. It operates as a museum and exhibition space, run by the Centre of Culture, Sport and Tourism in Świerzawa. The building is listed in the register of immovable heritage sites.

Practical information

• Address: Złotoryjska 25, Świerzawa
• Getting there: the northern outskirts of Świerzawa, on the road to Złotoryja, near the bridge over the Kaczawa
• What to expect: a former Romanesque church converted into a museum, with preserved stonework, Romanesque apse windows and wall paintings discovered in 1977; it is worth checking the visiting hours before a visit