The Evangelical Church of the Virgin Mary (German: Liebfrauenkirche, Kirche zu Unser Lieben Frauen) in Legnica, also known as St. Mary’s Church (German: Marienkirche) or Low Church (German: Niederkirche), is one of the oldest and most important sacral monuments in Lower Silesia. Its history dates back to the 12th century, and the building is a testimony to Legnica’s rich past and the dynamic changes that took place in the region over the centuries.
The origins of the church’s construction date back to the second half of the 12th century. According to German historians, it was initiated by Bolesław Wysoki, who probably commissioned the construction of a single-aisle wooden church. In 1192, a stone building was erected in its place. Among others, St Jadwiga of Silesia and Duke Henry II the Pious prayed in this temple before the Battle of Legnica. The church was destroyed and rebuilt several times. After a fire in 1338, the church was rebuilt and transformed into a three-nave basilica. Further additions took place in the 15th century, including the construction of a choir and the elevation of the south tower.
The Church of the Virgin Mary in Legnica in a watercolour from 1822. Source: Lower Silesia Digital Library
During the Napoleonic wars in 1813, the church was converted into a hospital, causing considerable damage. After restoration, it was rededicated in 1815. Further damage was caused by a fire in 1822. Reconstruction between 1824 and 1829 gave it its present hall-like character. In 1905, another reconstruction was started according to Oskar Hossefeld’s plan. The interior was modernised, with the addition of, among other things, a prince’s lodge, an organ gallery and new stained glass windows. The work was completed in 1906. Extensive work also covered the towers, roof and south chapels.
on 8 May 1945, the Soviet troops decided to hold a so-called “Victory Fire” to celebrate their victory over the Third Reich. The hitherto untouched by destruction, the priceless Old Town of Legnica faced a huge tragedy. “Fires of Victory” consisted of throwing burning petrol canisters or grenades into selected, often the most valuable buildings. In this way, the historic heart of the city was set on fire. The greatest damage was recorded in the vicinity of the market square. Among other things, numerous works of Renaissance and Baroque bourgeois art were destroyed there. The rest of the destruction was carried out after the war, when it was decided to demolish the surviving townhouses and other monuments. The Church of the Virgin Mary, standing within the Old Town, luckily escaped destruction.
The church is built of brick, and its foundations and strengthening elements are made of sandstone. It has the form of a three-nave hall, 50.50 m long and 20 m wide, with two 62 m high towers. The towers are topped with pointed helmets. The interior of the church is characterised by cross-ribbed vaults. The pillars, octagonal in cross-section, are decorated with geometric patterns of “Moorish” styling. The presbytery is decorated with a neo-Gothic altarpiece from 1906, with a central painting of the ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ from 1770. The stained glass windows, which were created between 1902 and 1908, depict religious and historical scenes, including the conversion of the Apostle Paul and the baptism of Jesus. Several Renaissance and Baroque sandstone epitaphs are embedded in the walls of the church.
The church has a rich history associated with the organ. The first mention of their use dates back to 1414. The modern organ, built by Friedrich Weigl in 1914, has a romantic disposition and has been renovated several times, most recently in the 1970s.
St Mary’s Church has witnessed many important historical events. Since the Reformation, when Prince Frederick II of Legnica declared Lutheranism the state religion in 1524, the church has served the Evangelical community. After the Second World War, despite difficult conditions, the church continued to serve its religious function. Today, services are held there in both Polish and German. Regular renovations and necessary repairs are carried out to keep the priceless monument in good condition.
Source: legnica.luteranie.pl, historykon.pl
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