Kościelny Square in Wałbrzych

Kościelny Square lies in the oldest part of Wałbrzych, right next to the Market Square, and has been linked to the town's religious life for centuries. It was previously known as Kirchplatz and later as plac Juliana Marchlewskiego.

History of the site

The square dates back to around 1191 and is associated with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, which drew pilgrims. Between 1742 and 1788 an Evangelical house of prayer stood next to the sanctuary, later demolished. In 2010 the square underwent a thorough renovation.

Buildings on the square

The square is home to the Evangelical Church of the Saviour and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, as well as house no. 3 from 1776, which once housed a hospital, and the rectory of the Evangelical-Augsburg parish. The Monument to Independence from 2005 also stands here. In the past the square also held a monument to the Franco-Prussian War, a bust of Julian Marchlewski and a commemorative plaque dedicated to repressed soldier-miners - none of these have survived to this day.

Practical information

• Address: Wałbrzych, Śródmieście, next to the Market Square.
• Getting there: the square connects with 1 Maja street and the junction of Limanowskiego and Rycerska streets.
• This is not the same square as Magistracki Square or Teatralny Square in Wałbrzych - Kościelny Square lies directly by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows.
• Nearby: the Mausoleum in Wałbrzych, the Jerzy Szaniawski Drama Theatre and the Góra Parkowa viewpoint.