Świdnica

• The Church of Peace is a three-aisled basilica with a Greek cross floor plan. It was built in 1656–1657 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica.
• The Museum of Former Merchants is located in the Old Town Hall and features exhibitions on local history and trade.
• The cathedral is Gothic and was formerly administered by the Jesuits.

The Church of Peace can be understood through its architecture and history. The term “three-aisled basilica” describes a layout with three aisles; the Greek cross floor plan gives the building a cruciform layout. These features offer concrete points of reference if you are interested in architecture, without requiring specialist knowledge. The construction dates of 1656–1657 place the church in its historical context, while its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica offers another perspective on the building.

The Church of Peace is also home to the exhibition “Faith like a heart of bronze. Treasures of the Church of Peace in Świdnica”. It displays historical objects from the Lutheran church and complements the view of the building with a perspective on its collection. This means that architectural history and historical objects are presented side by side as distinct aspects of the cultural offering at this site.

The Gothic cathedral offers a different architectural point of reference from the Church of Peace. Its former administration by the Jesuits also introduces a distinct aspect of local church history. Comparing the two churches lets you focus on different features: the Church of Peace’s basilica form, cross-shaped floor plan and UNESCO status, and the cathedral’s Gothic style and historical connection to the Jesuits. This comparison helps you distinguish between Świdnica’s different religious themes.

The Museum of Former Merchants shifts the focus from religious architecture to local history and trade. Located in the Old Town Hall in Świdnica, it features exhibitions on these topics. It therefore offers a different choice from the Church of Peace and the cathedral: if you are interested in the history of trade, you will find a relevant point of reference here, while the churches focus on architecture and religious history. This allows you to shape the cultural part of your stay around whichever of these perspectives interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Lubachow, Jugowa, Striegau, Świebodzice, Bystrzyca Górna, Jawor, Żarów, Zebrzydów.

What objects are on display in the exhibition at the Church of Peace?

Historical objects from the Lutheran church include 350-year-old Bibles, paintings, Baroque liturgical vessels, portraits of pastors, prayer books and epitaphs.

How is the cathedral’s interior described?

The cathedral has the richest interior and decoration among the Jesuit churches of the former Bohemian Province. It was formerly administered by the Jesuits.

When can you visit the cathedral?

Visiting hours are listed as Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:45 pm. Before travelling, check whether a visit is possible during these hours.

Go to the main travel overview: Świdnicki.