In June 2024, Nowy Sącz experienced a huge loss to its cultural heritage. A tragic fire severely damaged the historic wooden Saint Helena Church, a gem of sacred architecture that had been an integral part of the local landscape since 1686. Despite the extensive damage and initial uncertainty about the future of the church, residents, authorities and the parish have united to restore this priceless monument. Work has already begun to faithfully restore the church so that it can once again fulfil its spiritual and historical role.
History of the church
Saint Helena’s Church is a wooden temple dating back to 1686, which has been an important part of the landscape and cultural heritage of Nowy Sącz for centuries. Built thanks to the efforts of Helena Marchocka, abbess of the Poor Clares convent in Stary Sącz, it was a model of the wooden architecture of Lesser Poland, integrated into the Gothic building tradition. The temple was located on the wooden architecture trail of the Małopolska voivodship and housed many valuable relics – late Renaissance and Baroque altars and paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
FufiCommons, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The tragic fire of 2024
On the morning of 16 June 2024, the church fell victim to an arsonist. The wooden structure quickly burst into flames, leading to the almost complete destruction of the church, including the historic furnishings. The fire also destroyed the roof and sacristy. The firefighting operation, which involved 18 teams and 76 firefighters, lasted more than ten hours. As a result, the interior of the building was flooded with water. However, some of the property was saved, including some paintings and the main and two side altars. Losses were estimated at over one million zlotys.
The decision to rebuild
Initially, it was uncertain whether the destroyed building could be rebuilt. An expert opinion commissioned by the Provincial Office for the Protection of Historical Monuments showed that, although the structure of the church was severely damaged, it could be reconstructed. Thanks to the determination of the parish and the faithful, as well as the support of experts, a reconstruction project was drawn up which envisages a faithful recreation of the appearance of the church before the fire.
Only natural materials will be used in the reconstruction, in accordance with the principles of sustainability and efficient use of raw materials. The reconstruction will be based on manual craftsmanship in woodworking, supported by biological and fireproofing, which will ensure the durability and increase the safety of the building. Although the design is fully in keeping with the historic appearance, some discreet technological solutions are also envisaged.
Work has already begun. The roof and tower, completely burnt in the fire, have been demolished, and the wall structure has been protected from winter. Full-scale reconstruction is expected to start in the spring. The total cost of the project has been estimated at around £1.7 million, most of which will be covered by insurance compensation. The parish plans to raise the remaining amount through the support of the faithful and donors.
Importance of the church for the community
St Helena Church was not only a place of prayer, but also a witness to history and a symbol of local identity. Its reconstruction is of great importance to the people of Nowy Sącz, who have joined together in solidarity to help. Thanks to the commitment of the community and the authorities, the temple has a chance to regain its former glory and once again become a pearl of wooden architecture in Małopolska. Police have apprehended a 23-year-old man who has been charged with starting a fire in a historic church and causing damage exceeding the value of PLN 1 million. The suspect faces up to 10 years in prison.
Source: KM PSP Nowy Sącz, nowysacz.naszemiasto.pl
