Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Police

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a parish church in Police, built in 1894 to replace the medieval St Mary's Church of the 13th century, which stood in the Old Town Market Square. Its tower, more than sixty metres high, is a characteristic element of the Old Town skyline. The church, together with its churchyard, is entered in the heritage register.

History

The Gothic St Mary's Church stood in the Market Square until the 19th century, and the present building was put up at a time of thorough changes in the town's architecture. During the Second World War the roof was destroyed and the interior stripped. After the war the roof was rebuilt, and the parish under the dedication of the Immaculate Conception was established on 8 December 1951. The oldest of the town's three churches, however, is the church in Jasienica: the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Interior and furnishings

In the 1970s the church was repainted and renovated again, stained glass was installed in the windows of the side aisle, and the tower was repaired. The artist Kazimierz Bieńkowski made the sgraffito in the chancel and nave. In 1981 a new organ was installed. Since 1996 the church has hosted concerts of the Police Music Days “Cecyliada”. The parish feast day falls on 8 December.

Nearby

Close by, about six hundred metres away, stands the Gothic chapel.

Practical information

• Address: the parish has its seat at Mazurska 1 in Police.
• According to the parish website, Masses are held on Sundays at 8.00, 10.00, 12.00 and 18.00, and on weekdays at 8.00 and 18.00. Check the times on the parish website before your visit.