Church of Peace in Świdnica

Table of contents:

1. Short history
2. Opening hours / Pricing
3. How to get to the Church of Peace
4. Summary
5. Church of Peace in Jawor

Short history

The Świdnica Church of Peace is one of the three (Głogów and Jawor) churches for which construction was authorized by the Catholic Emperor Ferdinand III Habsburg, under the pressure of Protestant Sweden. Their name comes from the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Before the war, citizens were free to follow the teachings of Luther and hold evangelical services. After the war broke out, they were deprived of the right to practice their faith and own places of worship. The Peace of Westphalia eased the previously imposed restrictions.

The conditions for building the Peace Churches were designed to make construction difficult and ensure short-lived use if successful. However, representatives from all estates—nobility, burghers, and peasants—were involved in the construction, and after 10 months, on June 16, 1657, the first service was held in the Świdnica Church of Peace.

In 1708, when the situation for the Evangelicals improved, a bell tower and an evangelical school were added to the church under the pressure of the Swedish king. These buildings still stand today.

The church’s creation was associated with many religious conflicts; despite this, it serves as a symbol of reconciliation. In 1989, Polish Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl prayed together for peace. In 2011, the church hosted the Swedish royal couple—King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. In 2014, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz participated in a prayer for peace. In September 2016, the “Appeal for Peace” was signed by representatives of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism, along with the Dalai Lama XIV.

Opening hours / Price list:

• From April to October:

Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM / Sunday and holidays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• In November:

Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM / Sunday and holidays from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

• From December to March:

Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM / Sunday and holidays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

• Closed days for visiting:

All Saints’ Day (01.11)

Christmas Eve (24.12)

It is recommended to verify other holidays on the official Church website. The list is updated annually.

Pricing:

• Individual adults – 15 PLN
• Students, retirees, and organized adult groups – 12 PLN
• Children, youth – 8 PLN
• Family (2 adults + children up to 18 years old) – 35 PLN

The tour of the facility, including listening to the guide, takes approximately 40 minutes.

How to get to the Peace Church

Address: Plac Pokoju 6, 58-100 Świdnica

The Peace Church is located 1.5 kilometers from the train station, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk there. For those who prefer less activity, I recommend public transportation.

There are paid parking lots around the church, and a ticket must be purchased. On Saperów Street, parking is free.

Summary:

The church makes an incredible impression both from the outside and the inside. It is full of opulence, with paintings, gilding, and coats of arms. Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye was the unbelievably large organ and the dominant color of gold. The main altar is huge and stunning, and the longer I looked, the more fascinating details I noticed. The galleries with separate entrances for the most privileged families (the church has as many as 27 entrances!!), the coats of arms, and the paintings on the ceiling. Despite being made of perishable materials, the church has stood for 360 years!! I can confidently say that the Peace Church in Świdnica is one of the Seven Wonders of Poland! It’s a must-see!

If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!