Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew in Wrocław, Gothic church in Ostrów Tumski, Wrocław, Poland
The Collegiate Church is an unusual brick structure in Ostrów Tumski featuring two churches stacked vertically within a single building. The lower St. Bartholomew Church occupies the ground level, while the upper Holy Cross Church sits above it, each with its own independent internal space.
The church was established in 1288 by Prince Henry when he founded a separate settlement following a dispute with Bishop Thomas II. This founding event marked the beginning of an important religious center in the city's eastern district.
The lower church preserves numerous medieval and Renaissance monuments inside, reflecting the people and artistic styles that shaped the region over centuries. Walking through, visitors can see how different generations left their mark through sculpture and stone carvings.
The building is accessible daily through separate entrances, with the upper level reached by external stairs and the lower level through ground-level doors. Visitors should allow time to explore both levels at a relaxed pace, especially if examining the artwork and monuments closely interests them.
The building served not only as a church but also as a refuge during times of hardship, a role reflected in its sturdy brick construction. This dual purpose reveals how vital this location was for the early inhabitants of the area.
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