Naumburg Am Queis: Monastery Ruins, Church and Observation Tower

• The ruins of the Magdalenerinnen monastery display Baroque forms and surviving structural elements from different centuries.
• The major reconstruction of the town hall was led in 1795.
• The observation tower is modeled on a medieval castle complex and built of sandstone and brick.
• The Church of Saints Peter and Paul took on its present late Baroque appearance through a complete rebuild.

The ruins of the Monastery of the Sisters of Saint Mary Magdalene in Nowogrodziec stand out for their Baroque forms and rich stone window ornamentation. The north façade in particular displays this design. Inside, parts of various barrel and stone vaults have survived. There are also several commemorative tomb slabs from the 17th century. This means that a single building offers a chance to see both architectural details and evidence of commemorative culture.

Work on the cloister courtyard is also part of the complex’s architectural history: during restoration work, its main interior wall was revitalized. Together with the surviving sections of vaulting, the wall offers another tangible point of reference as you explore the complex. The monastery ruin thus brings together different aspects: the façade’s design, the construction of the vaults and visible traces of later restoration.

The town hall and observation tower offer two different ways to explore the architectural history of Nowogrodziec. The major reconstruction of the town hall was led in 1795 by master mason Menzel from Bolesławiec and carpenter Anton Zugehoer. This building therefore centers on a precisely dated construction phase and the craftspeople involved.

The observation tower, by contrast, makes its architectural impression through its form and materials: it is modeled on a medieval castle complex and built of local sandstone and brick. It was once surrounded by a wooden restaurant structure. This is part of the tower’s history; the former structure should not be confused with its present appearance. Comparing the two buildings draws attention to a historical reconstruction in one case and to design and choice of materials in the other.

If you would like to visit the tower, you must contact the town office by phone in advance to check availability. Be sure to plan your visit with this requirement in mind.

The Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul took on its present late Baroque appearance through a complete rebuild. It was furnished between 1788 and 1793. Its history can also be traced through two specifically dated objects: the church contains a Renaissance epitaph for Matternus Olbricht from 1586. It depicts the deceased with his family venerating the Holy Cross.

Another plaque dates from 1542. It bears the monogram “MR” and the inscription “VDMIE”. Alongside the church building’s later late Baroque appearance, these are older objects preserved inside. Those interested in architectural history can therefore turn their attention both to the furnishings from the 18th century and to individual objects that have survived from earlier times.

The monastery ruin, town hall, observation tower and church offer different starting points for a stay focused on architecture and history. First consider which of these architectural histories interests you most; this will help you decide whether Naumburg Am Queis fits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Kliczków, Osiecznica, Kruszyn, Zebrzydowa, Raciborowice Górne, Kraśnik Dolny, Bunzlau.

Which architectural details have survived at the monastery ruin?

You can see Baroque forms, rich stone window ornamentation on the north façade, parts of various barrel and stone vaults, and several commemorative tomb slabs from the 17th century.

How does the observation tower differ from the town hall?

The tower is modeled on a medieval castle complex and built of local sandstone and brick. The town hall’s major reconstruction in 1795, along with the craftspeople involved, is documented.

What should you bear in mind when visiting the observation tower?

You can visit after contacting the town office by phone in advance. Availability will be checked when you do so.

For the overarching travel guide: Bolesławiecki.