The Church of Peace in Świdnica is one of the most important points on the map of Lower Silesia. It is the largest wooden Baroque temple in Europe. Due to its unique and universal value, it has been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Church of Peace in Świdnica was created as a form of commemoration of the end of the Thirty Years' War. The treaty ending the war between Catholics and Protestants, the so-called the Peace of Westphalia restored some rights. Evangelicals gained the opportunity to build their own temple, but only under certain conditions. The inhabitants of Świdnica, however, were persistent. Although the church could only be built outside the city walls, and the building could not be made of stone. All this did not dampen the enthusiasm of its future builders. In this way, thanks to the efforts of local residents, both peasants and nobility, in 1657 a Church of Peace in Świdnica.
Church of Peace in Świdnica It was built on the plan of a Greek cross, in the half-timbered technique - the wooden frame was filled with clay and tar dough. However, what is truly unique is inside. The interior is filled with galleries with decorated boxes of privileged families who contributed to the construction of the church, as well as beautiful paintings on the vault. However, the interior is dominated by its 18th-century wooden altar by Artur Gottfrid Hoffman, with a scene of Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. The surroundings are also noteworthy Church of Peace in Świdnica – the Evangelical cemetery, the bell tower and the Baroque Corner.
Church of Peace in Świdnica - information for tourists
The facility is open to the public according to seasons. In the season April - October from 9:00 - 18:00 on Mon. – Sat., Sunday at 12:00 - 18:00. In November at 9:00 - 16:30 on Mon. – Sat., Sunday at 12:00 - 16:30 and in the months of December - March from 10:00 - 15:00 on Mon. – Sat., Sunday at 12:00 - 15:00.
There is an entrance fee of PLN 15 for adults and PLN 12 for students, pensioners and people in organized groups; PLN 8 – a ticket for children and teenagers and a 2+1 family ticket for PLN 35. Visiting the church takes about 1 - 2 hours.