Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Sand in Wrocław
Medals available inside the church!
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the eastern part of Piasek Island. The first church was built here around 1148 AD. Its founders were Maria Włostowicowa and her son Świętosław. In the second half of the 13th century, a brick monastery was built, and around 1334 construction began on a Gothic church, whose presbytery with main altar and side altars was consecrated in 1369. The southern tower and the Chapel of St. Simon and Jude (now St. John Nepomucene) were completed in 1439. In subsequent centuries, the Chapel of St. Andrew was added in 1683 (now the Holy Cross Chapel) and the Holy Family Chapel (between 1724-1735). When the monastery was secularized in 1810, it was converted into a library and museums. In 1945, both the church and monastery were severely damaged. The building was reconstructed between 1956-1959.
This is a brick hall church with stone foundations and details, featuring three naves. On the southern side is the sacristy, on the northern side four chapels, and on the western side two towers with hipped roofs. The chapel facades are plastered. The church is covered with a gable roof, while the chapels of St. John Nepomucene and Holy Family and the vestibule have shed roofs, and the Holy Cross Chapel has a dome.
Most of the historic furnishings and decorations were destroyed in 1945. From the original church remains a Romanesque foundation tympanum from the 12th century, now placed above the sacristy entrance. Current furnishings were largely transferred from other locations. The main altar in the form of a Marian pentaptych from about 1500 was moved from the University Library. Side altars come from various locations including Stabłowice in Wrocław, Lubań, Osetno near Góra, Witków near Szprotawa, Mirocin Średni near Kożuchów, Chrobrów near Żagań, and Pogwizdów near Jawor.
In the chapel on the ground floor of the western wing of the former monastery building, accessible from the southern nave of the church, there is a mechanical nativity scene that attracts tourists year-round, especially children.
It was created by the late Father Kazimierz Błaszczyk, a pastor for the deaf and blind. He made his first moving nativity in 1967 for hearing-impaired and visually impaired children. Each year he added new figurines, toys and dolls. Beyond traditional shepherd and animal figures, one can see numerous toys. When the lights dim and the nativity scene illuminates, folk-costumed figurines spring to life along with carousels and windmills, while an electric train races around them. Mickey Mouse keeps rhythm on cymbals, and even Donald Duck and other cartoon characters make appearances.
