St James the Apostle's Church in Brzesko

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Church and St James the Apostle stands in Brzesko at plac św. Jakuba 1. It is a parish church made up of an old Gothic part and a new one added in the 1980s.

History of the church

The first church is said to have been built around 1400, and Jan Długosz mentions it. A brick church was probably built in 1447, funded by Jasiek, grandson of Spytek of Melsztyn. After a fire in 1655 it was rebuilt, and in 1678 a tower was added. Fires also struck the building in 1863 and 1904, and in 1905 it was rebuilt with three bells.

The old and new nave

In 1980-1989 the church was enlarged with a new main nave on the north side; the old Gothic structure now serves as a vestibule. The altar wall is filled with a sculptural scene of the Descent of the Holy Spirit designed by Wincenty Kućma, and the stained glass was designed by Józef Furdyna. In the old part, Gothic Revival altars from the Tyrolean workshop of Ferdinand Stuflesser have survived.

Practical information

• Address: pl. św. Jakuba 1, Brzesko. The building is entered in the heritage register.
• Close by stand the Church of the Holy Spirit and the synagogue.
• It is a working church; check service times with the parish.