Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross in Wrocław

Medal available in the vending machine at the entrance on the left side!

The Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew’s Church in Wrocław – a Gothic church on Cathedral Island located in the immediate vicinity of the former castle of the Silesian Piasts. A two-level church, Gothic brick structure with two towers.
The Upper Church is dedicated to the Holy Cross, the lower church – to St. Bartholomew.

Key dates:

January 11, 1288: Foundation of the church after the dispute between Duke Henry IV Probus and Bishop Thomas II was settled.

1290: Duke Henry IV dies and is temporarily buried in the church presbytery.

September 14, 1295: Bishop Jan Romka consecrates the church.

1632-1634: During the Thirty Years’ War, the church was desecrated, looted and devastated (Protestant troops used it as a warehouse and stable).

1672 and 1723: Church renovations – led to Baroque interior decorations. Both levels received new altars, and the upper church got a new organ prospectus.

1704-1705: Four larger-than-life figures were placed in the main altar: St. Hedwig, St. Barbara, St. Bartholomew and St. Andrew.

1807: During the siege of Wrocław by Napoleonic troops, the lower church served as a shelter.

1810: The Prussian government dissolved the Holy Cross collegiate chapter and secularized its property. The church was transferred to the cathedral parish.

Until 1921: The lower church served as a garrison church.

1925: A separate parish was established at the church.

1945: About 25% of both levels were destroyed.

1945: Reconstruction and renovation begins. The Holy Cross parish is served by the cathedral parish.

1946-1956: The lower church is reopened – Masses celebrated for the German population.

1956: The lower church is given to Greek Catholics, who gradually adapted it for their liturgy.

1958: Complete reconstruction of the upper church.

1997: Greek Catholics receive St. Vincent’s Church. The lower church returns to the cathedral parish.

1998: Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz reactivates the collegiate chapter.