In the southern porch of the Basilica of St John the Apostle in Olesnica, a unique monument has been preserved, known as the only chain library in Central Europe. In the room above the entrance to the sanctuary, 239 books are stored, 52 of them with original safety chains. A narrow winding staircase leads to the interior, and the whole has remained in almost unchanged condition since the end of the 16th century. The current state of the collection is the result of conservation work carried out at the end of the 20th century.
The Olesnica Chain Library – origins
Prince Karol II Podiebradowicz founded the library in 1594, at the same time as he was developing education and founding new educational institutions in the Duchy of Olesnica. The book collection was intended for use by the clergy, schoolchildren and residents. The old volumes were placed on desks and secured with chains to reduce the risk of valuable works being carried away. Long chains were used for larger volumes and shorter chains for smaller volumes. Access to the fixtures was restricted to the librarian, who closed and opened the books in accordance with the rules.
The original system of protecting the books
The system of chained desks used in Olesnica was developed in Central European church libraries. It protected valuable books, which were among the most valuable items of scientific institutions and temples during the Renaissance. The Olesnica library has faithfully preserved this ancient practice, so that today it allows you to see a rare interior layout.
Chain Library in Olesnica – conservation of the collection
In the 1990s, the books underwent thorough conservation. The municipal authorities, the university community and German partners were involved in the project, which made it possible to successfully preserve the collection. Among the surviving items are a Martin Luther Bible from 1541, a multilingual Bible by Arias Montani and numerous theological and scientific works. Each of these volumes forms a testimony to the ancient intellectual culture of the city.
The library against the background of the history of the Olesnica Basilica
The Basilica of Saint John the Apostle is one of the oldest churches in the region. Its history dates back to the 13th century, and subsequent extensions were carried out under the patronage of the Poděbrady, Württemberg and Hohenzollern families. The architecture of the temple is a combination of many eras, from Gothic to Baroque. The interior houses numerous works of art, including the Mannerist pulpit, the prince’s lodge, the Baroque altar and the mausoleums of the former princes. The building’s varied structure makes it one of the most valuable religious buildings in Lower Silesia.
A unique place on the map of Central Europe
The Olesnica Chain Library is the last surviving example of this type of library in Central Europe. The collections from the other Silesian chain libraries went to institutions in Wrocław and Warsaw, which gives the Olesnica interior a special status. The security system and the original arrangement of the volumes create a space that attracts researchers and anyone else looking for a place of unique charm and history.
Source: Bon voyage – travels around Poland, olesnica.archidiecezja.wroc.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Sacral architecture | Monuments | History | Journeys
