Churches of Peace
The Significance of the Churches of Peace
The Churches of Peace are the largest Baroque religious buildings in Europe. Located in Jawor and Świdnica in Lower Silesia, they are Lutheran temples. There was also a third Church of Peace in Głogów, but it has not survived to the present day.
The Churches of Peace have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as unique testimonies of faith, religious community, and architectural solutions.
The Church of Peace in Świdnica - 27.07.2023
The Church of Peace in Świdnica is the largest wooden Baroque sacred temple in Europe. Due to the prevailing attitude towards Lutherans at the time, the church building could only be constructed outside the city walls, without towers or a bell tower, using only impermanent materials: wood, sand, straw, and clay. It could not resemble a church, and the construction could not exceed one year. Despite such impermanent materials, the church has impressed with its beauty for nearly 400 years.
Accessibility of the Church of Peace in Świdnica
On arriving at the Church of Peace, there is a "No Entry" sign at the entrance to the parish grounds. If you have a Parking Permit, you can disregard this sign and drive very close to the building. The area around the church and all paths are paved with more or less uneven cobblestones. In front of the temple, there is an interesting model of the church and the surrounding grounds.
Upon reaching the building of this famous monument, the main entrance is inaccessible, as it is only open on Sundays and holidays. To enter, turn left to a small entrance, which is accessible via a rather large step—a significant obstacle for wheelchair users. After overcoming this step, tickets can be purchased, allowing entry into the church. Unfortunately, the difference between discounted and regular tickets is small.
Visiting the Church of Peace in Świdnica
The first impression inside the Church of Peace in Świdnica is spectacular. The richness of decorations, the abundance of wall and ceiling paintings, the pulpit, altar, boxes, and organs all create a cohesive whole that can captivate anyone sensitive to beauty. I am full of admiration for the talent of the creators of this amazing place.
During the tour, interesting information about this charming place is shared over loudspeakers.
Comparing the Church of Peace in Świdnica with that in Jawor, I can clearly state that Świdnica's church is richer and more beautiful. It is also larger, able to hold 7,500 people—a truly impressive number given the small size of the building.
However, Świdnica's church is less accessible for tourists with disabilities in wheelchairs. Besides the step into the ticket room, I could not move freely around the temple, as a piano had been set up in front of the altar due to the ongoing Bach Festival. If I had been allowed through the main entrance, there would have been no problem.
Despite these difficulties, visiting the Church of Peace in Świdnica is worthwhile. The beauty of this place can compensate for many inconveniences. Anyone who wants to see the most important monuments in our country must sooner or later visit this small town of Świdnica.
The Church of Peace in Jawor - 30.06.2023
The Church of Peace in Jawor is located in the central part of this town near Legnica. In front of the property where the church stands, there is no parking with a designated space for people with disabilities, so if you have a Parking Permit, you can disregard the "No Entry" sign. It is best to drive right up to the church entrance, as the cobblestones around this monument are quite uncomfortable for wheelchair users.
The main entrance for worshipers and tourists has two steps. Therefore, it is worth asking someone on staff to open the side entrance, which is much easier for people with disabilities to access.
Interior of the Church of Peace in Jawor
From the outside, this building does not look very impressive, and thus the first impression upon entering the temple is surprising and full of admiration. The multiple balcony levels with beautiful paintings, the incredible ceiling, and the richly decorated pulpit are just some of the elements that leave every tourist in awe. To think, this temple was built nearly 400 years ago without a single nail!
During the tour, information about the history of this amazing place is provided via loudspeakers. Navigating the church in a wheelchair poses no problems. You can explore several corners, where there are very interesting benches with centuries-old heritage. Only in front of the altar is there a step. Naturally, there is no possibility to access any of the numerous balconies by wheelchair.
Is It Worth Visiting the Church of Peace in Jawor?
The Church of Peace in Jawor is a true gem of architecture. Although it is somewhat more modest than the one in Świdnica, it still has the ability to captivate with its beauty.
It is still a little-known and underappreciated place on tourist routes. Although the surroundings of the temple are quite challenging to navigate by wheelchair, it is worth visiting as it is truly an amazing monument that should be seen at least once.
The Churches of Peace in Świdnica and Jawor Through the Lens
