Garrison Church of St Casimir

The Garrison Church of Saint Casimir is a church building in Katowice designed in a functionalist style with modern concrete construction. The exterior features a single corner tower and simple lines, while inside decorative elements including sculptures, ornate pews, artistic lamps, and stained glass create a rich visual experience.

Built between 1930 and 1933, this was Poland's first functionalist Catholic church, designed by architects Leon Dietz d'Army and Jan Zarzycki. Its construction marked an important shift in how religious buildings were approached, moving away from ornamental Gothic or Baroque styles toward modern simplicity.

Named after Saint Casimir, Poland's patron saint, this place holds special meaning for military communities who worshipped here. The interior decorations tell stories through sculptures and stained glass that blend religious and military themes in a way visitors can directly observe.

The church is located in central Katowice and welcomes visitors who arrange visits in advance, especially if coming outside regular mass times. Be aware that renovation or maintenance work may occasionally affect access or viewing conditions.

The most striking feature is the sharp contrast between the plain concrete exterior and the richly decorated interior filled with Art Deco details. When you step inside, the abundance of artistic elements comes as a surprise given how austere the outside appears.